Application: Rat Dissection
What it is: The Virtual Rat Dissection app from Punflay is a fantastic alternative to the actual dissection in the classroom. The app is perfect for students who are learning about organs and the organ system in life science. The app is brilliant in the way it offers students all of the tools that come with a real dissection without all the mess (and smell…do you all remember the smell? *gag reflex kicking in*). Students are led through the dissection procedure step by step, guided with instructions and explanations all the way through. When students have completed the dissection, the rat’s organs are exposed so students can study them further. High quality 3D images make it easy for students to visualize the organs. The app also includes great reference information about rats. The step-by-step instructions include voice over, perfect for accessibility to all students.
How Virtual Rat Dissection from Punflay can enrich learning: First of all, did I mention this app is free from the smell of Formaldehyde? That alone makes it worth it’s weight in gold (in my humble opinion)! Virtual Rat Dissection solves the budgetary and physical problems of getting a rat for every student to dissect. Not only that, it is a much greener alternative. The app has been beautifully created with attention to detail. Students will get the full effect of a wet dissection lab without needing all of the tools. Best of all, students can go back through the lab over and over again. This gives them the opportunity to review learning and process, something that isn’t possible with real rat dissections.
Use this app as an alternative to actual dissection, or use it to prepare students for a real dissection.
Devices: Compatible with iPad. Requires iOS 4.2 or later
Price: $3.99 (iTunes Link)
