The Arizona STEM Acceleration Project

Virtual Reality Frog Dissection

Virtual Reality Frog Dissection

A 10^th Grade STEM Lesson

Author

Ellyza Hardin

Date

November 13^th, 2023

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Notes for Teachers

Context: This lesson takes place in a classroom for two hours.

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• Prior to this activity, the teacher should be able to have a classroom discussion about dissecting a frog, what to expect, and what are the expected outcomes.

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• Students will be work in a group of 4. They will be answering a paper worksheet as an assessment.

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List of Materials

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• Virtual Reality headsets
• Software/app for frog dissection

VR Frog Dissection: Ribbit-ing Discoveries on Oculus Rift

• Worksheets with frog anatomy diagram

Frog Dissection Lab

• Projector and screen
• Classroom computer/tablet
• Small group collaboration tools �

Arizona Science Standards

Essential HS.L1U1.20

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Ask questions and/or make predictions based on observations and evidence to demonstrate how cellular organization, structure, and function allow organisms to maintain homeostasis.

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Feedback mechanisms maintain a living system’s internal conditions within certain limits and mediate behaviors, allowing it to remain alive and functional

even as external conditions change within some range. Feedback mechanisms can encourage (through positive feedback) or discourage (negative feedback) what is going on inside the living system.

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HS+B.L1U1.7

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Develop and use models to illustrate the hierarchical organization of interacting systems that provide specific functions within multicellular organisms (plant and animal).

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ELA:

9-10.SL1

Speaking and Listening Standard

Comprehension and Collaboration

Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on- one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 9–10 topics, texts, and issues, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.

Ed Technology:

9-12.4.a. Students know and use a deliberate design process for generating ideas, testing theories, creating innovative artifacts or solving authentic problems. (e.g., digital design tools, 3D print product, robotics, virtual simulations, portfolio creation).

Objective(s):

Today, I will be able to…

• Understand the anatomy of a frog through a virtual reality dissection experience;
• develop digital literacy skills by using VR technology;
• collaborate in small groups to discuss and analyze frog anatomy; and
• have a hands-on experience with simple VR applications.

Agenda (110 minutes)

Day 1

1. Introduction to Dissection (5 minutes)
2. VR Frog Dissection Main Activity (40 minutes)
3. Collaborative Analysis (10 minutes)

Day 2

1. Classroom Discussion (25 minutes)
2. Group activity ( 20 minutes- Finalizing worksheet)
3. Individual Reflection (10 minutes)

Intro/Driving Question/Opening

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Engagement: Begin with a brief discussion about the importance of understanding anatomy in biology. Ask students what they know about frogs and their anatomy.

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Introduction to VR: Briefly introduce the concept of virtual reality and its application in education. Explain that today, they will be using VR to explore the anatomy of a frog.

Important Note

• Note: Ensure that you have tested the VR equipment in advance and that students are familiar with its use. Additionally, consider any potential ethical concerns related to animal dissections and communicate the educational purpose of virtual dissections as a humane alternative.

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Video To VR… (This can be shown to students or teachers can skip this part)�

Hands-on Activity Instructions

• Divide the class into small groups and provide each group with a VR headset.

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• Instruct students to explore the virtual frog dissection. Encourage them to identify different organs and structures within the frog's anatomy.

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Collaborative Analysis

• Have groups discuss their findings and identify the different organs they observed during the VR dissection.
• Ask each group to create a list or diagram of the frog's anatomy on a shared document or poster.

Classroom Discussion

Bring the class together and have each group share their observations.

Discuss the similarities and differences in their findings.

Assessment

Worksheet and Reflection:

• Distribute worksheets with frog anatomy diagrams.
• Instruct students to label the parts they observed during the VR dissection and write a short reflection on what they learned.

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Extension Activity- Optional

• If time allows, you can assign additional research or a project related to frog anatomy, connecting it to the broader concepts of biology and ecosystems.

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Homework

• Assign a reflective essay or journal entry for homework, asking students to express their thoughts on the virtual dissection experience and its impact on their understanding of frog anatomy.

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Differentiation

• Scaffolded Worksheets:
• Create a worksheet with scaffolding for students who need additional guidance. Include labeled diagrams and hints to assist them in identifying frog anatomy during and after the VR experience.

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• Guided VR Experience:
• Instead of allowing remedial students to explore the VR dissection independently, offer a guided experience with additional prompts and explanations. This can help them focus on specific structures and concepts.
• Extended Processing Time:
• Allow remedial students extended time to complete assignments or reflections. This flexibility accommodates different processing speeds and ensures that every student has the opportunity to engage with the material fully.

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Remediation

Extension/Enrichment

• Advanced Vocabulary and Concepts:
• Introduce more advanced vocabulary and concepts related to frog anatomy for enrichment students. Encourage them to research and present additional information beyond the basic requirements.
• Independent Research Project:
• Assign an independent research project for enrichment students, where they explore a specific aspect of frog anatomy or related scientific topics. They can present their findings to the class, fostering a deeper understanding.
• Collaborative Teaching Role:
• Allow enrichment students to take on a teaching role. They can create a brief presentation or lead a discussion on a specific aspect of frog anatomy, promoting leadership and communication skills.

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