Summer Research Program for Science Teachers

Sasha O'Connor

Wm. H. Maxwell Career & Technical HS

August 2005

What is the anatomy of the visual system?

Performance Objectives

Students Will Be Able To:

• Identify and label the structures of the eye
• Describe the function of various eye structures
• Explain the relationship between the brain and the eyes
• Identify the different areas of the electromagnetic spectrum

National Standards

Content Standard B, D

Teaching Standard A, B, C

Assessment Standard B, D

New Vocabulary: electromagnetic spectrum, photoreceptors, neural, perception, UV range, fovea, optic disc

Materials:  transparencies of the eyes, overhead projector, models/diagrams of the eyes, chart of the electromagnetic spectrum,

Procedure

• Students will work in groups of four to dissect a model of the human eye
• Identify 6 anatomical parts of the eye and give their function
• Locate the range of the electromagnetic spectrum where humans detect light
• Explain the functions of the photoreceptors

Notes

• More of the human brain is dedicated to vision than any of our other senses
• Light is electromagnetic energy that we see
• Our photoreceptors can only detect light in a certain range of the electromagnetic spectrum
• e.g. bees detect light in both visible and UV range and have a broader range of color perception

Homework

Select four eye structures and explain their structure and function