The Bug Geek

And now for something completely different.

I’ve been the Teaching Assistant for an introductory-level Zoology class (animal form and function) for three, going on four years. In 2012, I created a series of video dissection tutorials that guide students through the basic anatomical structures of many of the most common lab organisms.

I take student on a visual “tour” of each animal, typically starting with external structures/features, often emphasizing any interesting adaptations that allow them to thrive in their particular habits. Then I address internal anatomy, and I generally cover basic digestive, reproductive, and urinary systems, along with notable muscle groups in some animals, as well as cardio-respiratory organs. (I don’t spend a lot of time discussing the circulatory or nervous systems.)

These have proven to be wildly popular, not just with my own students (who use these for pre-lab preparation and as study aids) but also with other university/college students, high school students, and homeschoolers. I’ve had great responses from teachers who are now using these as compliments to their usual zoology or biology curriculum.

Here’s an example:

If you’re interested, you can check out the YouTube channel, MacOrganisms2 (don’t forget to subscribe, I plan to create a few more this winter!)

Here is the complete series of dissection videos:

Roundworm

Earthworm

Sea Star – External anatomy     Sea Star – Internal anatomy

Bivalve (freshwater mussel)

Squid

Arachnid (orb-weaving spider)

Crayfish – External anatomy    Crayfish – Internal anatomy

Grasshopper – External anatomy    Grasshopper – Internal anatomy

Dogfish Shark

Bony Fish (Perch)

Frog – Internal anatomy    Frog – External anatomy

Rat 

Fetal Pig

Feel free to use them and any feedback would be appreciated! I’d love to hear from you if you’re a teacher 🙂