Amphibian Conservation: Saving the Panamanian Golden Frog The software also allows students to go through the process multiple times, to better understand frog anatomy while ensuring wild populations of these critically important species are not compromised.įor more information or to schedule a classroom for the Virtual Dissection Learning Lab, visit or email us at Carla Van Kampen is a curator of education for the Detroit Zoological Society. In this program, students use the virtual reality software on a classroom set of iPads to learn about frogs and dissect them, without the cost and environmental impact of taking amphibians from the wild. Middle school teachers can schedule their class to visit the Zoo to participate in a Learning Lab focused on virtual dissection. This experience, combined with a guided tour of the National Amphibian Conservation Center, gave campers the opportunity to see frogs in a different light. Hands-on models of the same species of frog allows them to physically take apart and reassemble parts of the frogs’ anatomy. The augmented reality part of the app allows students to zoom in and manipulate the view of the virtual frog on their tables. Through this lens, campers used iPads to explore, rotate and connect how a frog’s physiology works beneath the surface. In its current form, this alternative dissection approach is instilling a better appreciation for amphibians in classrooms, camps and other education programs.ĭuring the DZS’s Summer Safari Camp at the Detroit Zoo this summer, students entering eighth grade focused on veterinary medicine as a potential career. Combined with 3-D models, students can participate in an engaging, hands-on humane dissection alternative. This summer, the Detroit Zoological Society’s Berman Academy for Humane Education purchased state-of-the-art virtual-reality frog dissection software.

With more than half of all amphibian species at risk of extinction, it is critical to leave amphibians in their native habitats.

Millions of frogs are dissected every year in science classrooms across the country and unfortunately, many of these animals are taken from the wild.

Do it yourself virtual frog dissection