• Field Trip

    More than 250 interactive science, technology, energy and health exhibits await students of all ages.  We’re experts at making sure that bringing your group to the Museum is smooth sailing all the way. Discounted admission for groups of 20 or more!

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  • ScienceWorks

    Your students become scientists during our ScienceWorks Labs. All programs align with National Science Education Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and Common Core State Standards. Labs are available year-round for preschool to middle school students.

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  • Outreach

    It's Science on Wheels: We bring the Museum to you!  We offer fun, inquiry-based programs for the students in your classroom, library, festival or youth center! All programs address objectives outlined in the Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations and include pre- and post-visit activities.

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  • Distance Learning

    Our educators use videoconferencing to engage your students in a dynamic, hands-on learning experience. Program kits sent to classroom teachers include nearly everything you need for experiments. Kits are yours to keep! All programs address National Science Education Standards and align with Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations.

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  • Professional Development

    Join us for fast-paced, hands-on teacher workshops that provide elementary and middle school educators with new hands-on tools for incorporating interactive science and math activities into your classroom.  Join us for professional development opportunities both at the museum and at your school.

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  • Scouts

    The best place for Scouts to explore STEAM! We offer unique, fun-filled workshops, designed specifically for Scouts. Come to the Museum for your workshop and get hands-on as you explore math, science, technology, and more.

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  • Summer Camp

    Explore week-long science and math activities in conjuntion with Ann Arbor Rec&Ed and other local organizations.  Elementary and middle school children can investigate a different theme each week through hands-on and engaging fun.

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  • Birthday Parties

    What do you get when you mix one part science, one part fun, and one part celebration? A birthday party at the Museum! Experience a birthday full of discovery by exploring more than 250 exhibits and experimenting with a hands-on activity. Celebrate in a unique and interactive environment to make your special day really special!

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  • Evening Workshops

    Want to dive deeply into specific topics? Join us for an Evening Workshop! Explore a variety of science concepts through hands-on activities, interactive demos, and experiments in a small group setting. Topics vary from stop-motion animation to computer programming to engineering – there’s sure to be something that piques your interest!

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Back to Programs

Dissecting a Cow's Eye

Distance Learning: Disecting a Cow Eye

Get your goggles on! Dissect a cow's eye to understand how each structure works together to provide the sense of sight, just like your human eye. After the program, work with your class on a series of optical illusions to see how your eyes and brain work together to bring you visual messages.

Museum provides cow eyes, gloves and safety glasses (yours to keep); school must provide its own dissection tools.

  • Grade level: 5–8
  • Cost: $200
  • Available: Year-Round

Each Distance Learning program includes:

  • A 50-minute interactive program

  • A kit with materials for interactive experiments for 30 students

  • Extension activities and resources for further exploration

  • To make your program an enjoyable and memorable experience please be sure to review the Videoconferencing Tips

Please note: Your school or ISD must have videoconferencing equipment to participate in Distance Learning Programs.

Click here to schedule your Distance Learning Program today!

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.5-8.1 Science as Inquiry

  • Abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry
  • Understanding about scientific inquiry

U.S. National Curriculum Standards NS.5 Life Sciences

  • Structure and function in living systems
  • Regulation and behavior
  • Diversity and adaptations of organisms

Michigan Grade Level Content Expectations, Science v.1.09

  • Describe the physical characteristics (traits) of organisms that help them survive in their environment. (L.EV.05.12)
  • Relate degree of similarity in anatomical features to the classification of contemporary organisms. (L.EV.05.21)
  • Recognize that all organisms are composed of cells (single cell organisms, multicellular organisms). (L.OL.07.21)
  • Explain how cells make up different body tissues, organs and organ systems. (L.OL.07.22)

Next Generation Science Standards

Students participating in this program will explore science content as stated in the Disciplinary Core Ideas. They will engage in science and engineering practices as they plan and conduct investigations to answer questions regarding the structure and function of the eye.

PS4.B: Electromagnetic Radiation

  • Objects can be seen if light is available to illuminate them or if they give off their own light.
  • An object can be seen when light reflected from its surface enters the eyes.

LS1.A: Structure and Function

  • Plants and animals have both internal and external structures that serve various functions in growth, survival, behavior, and reproduction.

LS1.D: Information Processing

  • Different sense receptors are specialized for particular kinds of information, which may be then processed by the animal’s brain. Animals are able to use their perceptions and memories to guide their actions.
  • Each sense receptor responds to different inputs (electromagnetic, mechanical, chemical), transmitting them as signals that travel along nerve cells to the brain. The signals are then processed in the brain, resulting in immediate behaviors or memories. 
Dissecting a Cow's Eye

Distance Learning

School

50 minutes

3-5th, 6-8th

30

Natural Sciences