Sixth Grade Science
Cow Eye Dissection Demonstration
Laura Brenner
gr. 6 science teacher
Rationale:
This lesson will allow the teacher to demonstrate a cow eye dissection. This is the
first dissection experience in our science curriculum, and a thorough demonstration
will allow for the teacher to model both safety and procedure. The document camera
will enable all students to easily view the lesson and be engaged in the activity.
Objectives:
Students will observe the dissection process.
Students will identify parts of the eye.
Students will understand how each part functions in the process of gathering and
sending images to the brain.
Standards and Benchmarks:
ADM CSD Standards and Benchmarks:
Uses science process skills and current technology.
Demonstrates an understanding of the principles of sight.
Materials:
AVerVision Document Camera!
projector/screen
cow eye
dissection tray
scalpel
forceps
printed & labeled diagram of eye
Procedures:
1. Using the Document Camera, examine the outside of the cow eye.
Locate and identify the sclera, muscles, cornea, iris, and pupil.
2. Cut away the fat and muscles still attached to the eye. Discuss their function.
3. Use a scalpel to cut into the cornea. Project the aqueous humor and discuss
its purpose.
4. Make an incision through the sclera in the middle of the eye. Cut around the
middle of the eye. Students should observe this procedure carefully.
5. Locate the cornea and place it under the document camera. Discuss its
purpose.
6. Pull out the iris. Show that the pupil is the hole that lets light into the eye.
7. In the back of the eye, show the vitreous humor; explain its purpose.
8. Remove the lens from the eye. Place the lens and a piece of newspaper under
the projection camera, and show how the lens magnifies the print. This will
provide a clear visual for the students to see the purpose of the lens.
9. Locate the blood vessels that are on the inside of the back half of the eyeball.
10. Show students where the retina is. Place it under the camera, so the tapetum
can clearly be seen. Discuss its shiny blue-green color, and discuss how it
reflects light back from the eye.
11. On the back of the retina show the blind spot. This is tiny; you will need to
zoom in and focus.
12. In the back of the eye, locate and show the optic nerve; discuss the purpose.
13. Model how to clean up the eye parts and tools used in the dissection.
Differentiation:
Lower level: When locating eye parts in dissection, students also locate these parts
on a labeled diagram on their desks.
Higher level: When discussing functions, students will compare and contrast the
cow eye with their knowledge of the human eye.
Closure:
At the end of the class period, all eye parts and functions will be reviewed during a
teacher-led discussion.
Students will form groups of 2 or 3 students for tomorrow’s student dissections.
Assessment:
Informal assessment will be made by teacher observation and student discussions.
These assessments will allow the teacher to determine if students understand the
procedure, parts, and functions of the eye, and if not, which concepts need to be
retaught in the following lesson.
Thank you for your consideration of this grant application. The AVerVision
Document Camera would enhance this lesson and many other lessons in my
6th grade science classroom, increasing student interaction and learning.
Laura Brenner
Gr. 6 Science Teacher
ADM 6-7 Middle School
215 N. 11th St.
Adel, Iowa 50003
(515) 993-4778
cell (515) 249-4404
lbrenner@adel.k12.ia.us
On the following pages are directions with step-by-step photos to aid in the
instruction of students.
I would like to give recognition to this cite at Exploratorium:
http://www.exploratorium.edu/learning_studio/cow_eye/
and their homepage URL http://www.exploratorium.edu