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Snack Cake 'Dissection': A Flipped Classroom Exercise to Engage Undergraduates With Basic Neuroanatomy
1Department of Psychology, Lewis & Clark College, Portland, OR 97219.
Summary
This classroom activity used snack cakes to teach undergraduate students neuroanatomical terms. The fun, hands-on exercise improved students
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience Education
- Undergraduate Anatomy
Background:
- Effective teaching methods are crucial for introducing complex subjects like neuroanatomy.
- Engaging undergraduate students in survey-level courses requires innovative pedagogical approaches.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel classroom activity for teaching basic neuroanatomical terminology and concepts.
- To assess the efficacy of a hands-on, group-based learning exercise using snack cakes for neuroanatomy education.
Main Methods:
- Undergraduates viewed an online lecture on neuroanatomy.
- Students participated in a group activity dissecting snack cakes, applying learned anatomical terminology.
- Results were reported and shared using correct anatomical language.
Main Results:
- Quantitative feedback indicated the exercise enhanced students' confidence and interest in neuroanatomy.
- An online anatomy quiz corroborated the positive impact of the activity on learning.
- Students found the activity to be useful practice for learning neuroanatomy.
Conclusions:
- The snack cake dissection activity is a potentially valuable tool for undergraduate neuroanatomy courses.
- This innovative approach can effectively introduce neuroanatomical concepts and terminology.
- The exercise demonstrates a successful blend of active learning and foundational science education.
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