Eye Spy: An Interactive Exploration of the Human Eye

Author: Loren Adkins and Angela Nottingham based on unit by: Loren Adkins 6/14/2007 2:49:00 PM EDT

VITAL INFORMATION
Subject(s):
Mathematics, Science
 
Grade/Level:
8-10
 
Time Required:
Three Hours or (2) 90-Minute Blocks
 
Objective(s):

Students will:

  • discover both common and unique anatomical and physiological characteristics of the human eye.
  • complete an interactive dissection of a cow/sheep eye.
  • successfully and safely dissect a cow/sheep eye and identify key structures within it. 
  • create an authentic model of the human eye using various materials (see instructional materials).
 
Summary:
This lesson invites students to take a direct inquiry into the anatomy and physiology of the human eye. The students will participate in a virtual and physical dissection of a cow/sheep eye, investigate the geometric shapes and angles associated with its anatomy and physiology, view an authentic VRML eye model, and create their own model of the human eye with given manipulatives.
 
IMPLEMENTATION
Learning Activities:
1. Circle in relation to the human eye
 
 
2. Let's Dissect
 
 
Resources and Unit Handouts:
  • Technology resources:
    A data projector is needed for this unit. In addition, the VRML model must be viewed through specific software--Cortona and Notepad. For more information on VRML and resources for it, please visit the following website: http://www.citerawv.us/
  • The number of computers required is 1 per student.
  • Students Familiarity with Software Tool:
    Students must be able to access a URL and use a mouse to manipulate the virtual dissection.
    • Attachments
    1. Eye Final Assessment This is the instruction sheet for the eye model--the final, authentic assessment piece.
    2. Lesson Overview This is an overview for the unit--it may be helpful for students to see its overall progression.
    3. VRML Eye Model #1 Must be used in conjunction with VRML Eye Model #2
    4. VRML Eye Model #2 Must be used in conjunction with VRML Eye Model #1
    Links
    1. Color Vision Testing Students can use this website to check for colorblindness.
    2. Exploratorium Cow Eye Dissection This website provides thorough background information for conducting a successful cow/sheep eye dissection.
 
STANDARDS
 
Standards addressed by unit:
WV- West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives
• Subject : Math
• Grade or Course : Algebra/Geometry
• Standard : Standard 3: Geometry (MA.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective AGP.3.6 : identify angle relationships; involving parallel lines and apply in solving problems (corresponding angles, alternate interior angles, and alternate exterior angles).
 Objective AGP.3.8 : develop and explore circle relationships, emphasizing the vocabulary of circles.
• Subject : Science
• Grade or Course : Eighth Grade
• Standard : Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.2.1 : cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
• Standard : Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.3.2 : construct a variety of useful models of an object, event, or process.
• Standard : Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.2.4 : use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world (e.g., barometer, anemometer, microscope, computer).
• Standard : Standard 3: Unifying Themes (SC.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.3.1 : compare and contrast the relationship between the parts of a system to the whole system (e.g., take apart or build mechanical, electrical, or biological systems).
• Standard : Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.2.8 : use appropriate technology solutions to gather, graph and interpret data and analyze information.

USA- ISTE: Profiles for Technology Literate Students (includes NETS for Students)
• Grade : Grades 6-8

Numbers in parentheses following each performance indicator refer to the standards category to which the performance is linked. The categories are:
1. Basic operations and concepts
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
3. Technology productivity tools
4. Technology communications tools
5. Technology research tools
6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Reprinted from National Educational Technology Standards for Students - Connecting Curriculum and Technology, copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.

 Performance Objective 4: Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research. (3, 5)

USA- 21st Century Learning Skills & ICT Literacy
• Area : Information and communication technology literacy
 Skill : Creativity and intellectual curiosity
 Skill : Critical thinking and systems thinking
 Skill : Thinking and problem-solving skills
• Area : Information and communication skills
 Skill : Communication skills
• Area : Interpersonal and self-direction skills
 Skill : Interpersonal and collaborative skills
 Skill : Self-direction
 Skill : Accountability and adaptability
Standards compiled from learning activities:
WV- West Virginia Content Standards and Objectives
• Subject : Math
• Grade or Course : Algebra/Geometry
• Standard : Standard 3: Geometry (MA.S.3)
Students will:
 Objective AGP.3.6 : identify angle relationships; involving parallel lines and apply in solving problems (corresponding angles, alternate interior angles, and alternate exterior angles).
 Objective AGP.3.8 : develop and explore circle relationships, emphasizing the vocabulary of circles.
• Subject : Science
• Grade or Course : Eighth Grade
• Standard : Standard 2: Science as Inquiry (SC.S.2)
Students will:
 Objective SC.8.2.1 : cooperate and collaborate to ask questions, find answers, solve problems, conduct investigations to further an appreciation of scientific discovery.
 Objective SC.8.2.4 : use a variety of materials and scientific instruments to conduct explorations, investigations and experiments of the natural world (e.g., barometer, anemometer, microscope, computer).

USA- ISTE: Profiles for Technology Literate Students (includes NETS for Students)
• Grade : Grades 6-8

Numbers in parentheses following each performance indicator refer to the standards category to which the performance is linked. The categories are:
1. Basic operations and concepts
2. Social, ethical, and human issues
3. Technology productivity tools
4. Technology communications tools
5. Technology research tools
6. Technology problem-solving and decision-making tools

Reprinted from National Educational Technology Standards for Students - Connecting Curriculum and Technology, copyright © 2000, ISTE (International Society for Technology in Education), 800.336.5191 (U.S. & Canada) or 541.302.3777 (Int’l), iste@iste.org, www.iste.org. All rights reserved. For more information about the NETS Project, contact Lajeane Thomas, Director, NETS Project, 318.257.3923, lthomas@latech.edu. Reprint permission does not constitute an endorsement by ISTE or the NETS Project.

 Performance Objective 4: Use content-specific tools, software, and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research. (3, 5)

USA- 21st Century Learning Skills & ICT Literacy
• Area : Information and communication technology literacy
 Skill : Thinking and problem-solving skills
 Skill : Critical thinking and systems thinking
 Skill : Problem identification, formulation, and solution
 Skill : Creativity and intellectual curiosity
• Area : Information and communication skills
 Skill : Communication skills
• Area : Interpersonal and self-direction skills
 Skill : Interpersonal and collaborative skills
 Skill : Self-direction
 Skill : Accountability and adaptability