Format
Students and teachers should be prepared prior to starting the session. This includes procuring and providing each pair or group of students with a pig heart and a set of equipment for dissecting.
Teachers may obtain the preserved pig eye specimens at:
https://biologyproducts.com/products/pig-eye?_pos=1&_sid=32d280bee&_ss=r%3Fvariant%3D40101737660497
We recommend that students have their own pig eye specimen. Each student should have one preserved pig eye, a dissecting pad and one scalpel, forceps and scissors. We also recommend gloves for each student.
At the start of the program, an introduction to the Saint Louis University Adventures in Medicine and Science (AIMS) Program, including the Gift Donor Program, will be given.
The Saint Louis University anatomy education specialist/healthcare professional will guide the students to explore their pig eye, including the following structures:
Aqueous humor
Cornea
Iris
Lens
Optic nerve
Pupil
Retina
Sclera
Vitreous humor
Students will be instructed to observe where the optic nerve terminates and how it transmits and receives messages. The sequence of how light passes through the eye and how each structure is involved will be highlighted.
Discussion of common vision disorders and conditions
Questions and answers
Objectives
Lesson Objectives:
Students will complete a dissection of a pig eye, identifying the major internal and external structures of the eye.
Students will identify and understand the general function of the protective structures of the eye and some of the muscles that move the eye.
Students will increase their understanding of the connection between the eye and brain and how pathology, the disease process, toxins or injury can impact that connection.
Standards Alignment
National Standards
National Science Education (NSES) Content Standards
Content Standard K-12: Unifying Concepts and Processes: systems order and organization; evidence, models and explanation; form and function (Grades 9-12)
Content Standard A: Science as Inquiry (Grades 9-12; Grades 5-8)
Content Standard C: Life Science: matter, energy and organization of living systems (Grades 9-12); Life Science: structure and function in living systems; diversity and adaptation of organisms (Grades 5-8)
Content Standard F: Science in Personal and Social Perspectives: personal and community health (Grades 9-12); Science in Personal Health and Social Perspectives: personal health (Grades 5-8)
State Standards
Show Me Standards (Science and Health/Physical Education)
Science 3: Characteristics and interactions of living organisms
Health/Physical Education 1: Structures of, functions of and relationships among human body systems
Health/Physical Education 2: Principles and practices of physical and mental health
Health/Physical Education 3: Diseases and methods for prevention, treatment and control
Health/Physical Education 5: Methods used to assess health, reduce risk factors, avoid high-risk behaviors
Health/Physical Education 6: Consumer health issues