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Summary
To learn about the structure and function of living things, it is essential to explore the anatomy of real organisms up close and personal. While much can be accomplished by studying living things and their life cycles (see Raising Plants and Raising Trout projects), dissections offer a view of the internal structures and how they contribute to the whole. What follows are resources and information for teachers interested in conducting a flower and/or frog dissection. There are many excellent lesson plans and dissection guides on the web already. Rather than recreate these resources here, My Science Box provides nitty-gritty logistics and resources such as a selected list of great web resources, how to order frogs, what equipment you need, student handouts, and teaching strategies.
Objectives
Can identify the major parts of a plant and flower and describe the function of each part.
Can identify the major organs in a frog and describe the function of each organ.
Can thoughtfully, safely and respectfully complete an anatomical dissection.
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7dissections.doc | 50.5 KB |
Materials
Teaching Tips
The best resource that I have found for flower dissections is Gertrude Battaly’s website. There you will find comprehensive background information, step-by-step dissection directions, discussion questions and more. I recommend using her handout for the clarity of the directions. The handout I have provided includes only a summary table and conclusion questions.
Sources
To learn more about flower anatomy, see the following websites:
In addition to Gertrude Battaly’s site, other good lesson plans include:
Standards
Grade 7
Structure and Function in Living Systems
5. The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the complementary nature of structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know plants and animals have levels of organization for structure and function, including cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.
b. Students know organ systems function because of the contributions of individual organs, tissues, and cells. The failure of any part can affect the entire system.
f. Students know the structures and processes by which flowering plants generate pollen, ovules, seeds, and fruit.
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flower_handout.doc | 31 KB |
Materials
Teaching Tips
The best resource that I have found for frog dissections is Net Frog by Mabel Kinzie has a fabulous interactive virtual frog dissection including many multimedia resources such as videos and narration for every step of the dissection. It is an excellent resource for teachers, for students to preview or review the material, and as an alternative to an actual frog dissection.
Sources
To learn more about frogs, visit the following websites:
In addition to Net Frog, other good lesson plans include:
Standards
Grade 7
Structure and Function in Living Systems
5. The anatomy and physiology of plants and animals illustrate the complementary nature of structure and function. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know plants and animals have levels of organization for structure and function, including cells, tissues, organs, organ systems, and the whole organism.
b. Students know organ systems function because of the contributions of individual organs, tissues, and cells. The failure of any part can affect the entire system.
c. Students know how bones and muscles work together to provide a structural framework for movement.
d. Students know how the reproductive organs of the human female and male generate eggs and sperm and how sexual activity may lead to fertilization and pregnancy.
Physical Principles in Living Systems (Physical Sciences)
6. Physical principles underlie biological structures and functions. As a basis for understanding this concept:
j. Students know that contractions of the heart generate blood pressure and that heart valves prevent backflow of blood in the circulatory system.
Grades 9-12 Biology
Physiology
9. As a result of the coordinated structures and functions of organ systems, the internal environment of the human body remains relatively stable (homeostatic) despite changes in the outside environment. As a basis for understanding this concept:
a. Students know how the complementary activity of major body systems provides cells with oxygen and nutrients and removes toxic waste products such as carbon dioxide.
b. Students know how the nervous system mediates communication between different parts of the body and the body's interactions with the environment.
f. * Students know the individual functions and sites of secretion of digestive enzymes (amylases, proteases, nucleases, lipases), stomach acid, and bile salts.
g. * Students know the homeostatic role of the kidneys in the removal of nitrogenous wastes and the role of the liver in blood detoxification and glucose balance.
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frog_handout.doc | 3.85 MB |