Chickscope 1.5: Explore: Biological Imaging

Biological Imaging:
An Introduction to Biological Imaging

This unit is designed to introduce quantitative image analysis and interpretation to middle school and high school students.

Biological imaging is represented here by one technique, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Using available MRI data (images) of a developing chick embryo in the egg, and standard research software students will attempt to identify the eye and measure its growth over time. This exercise can serve as a framework for making hypotheses and drawing conclusions, using experimental data, plotting graphs, or learning about embryos.

Integrated Subject Areas

Biology

Mathematics

Computer Applications

Suggested Grades

7-8

9-12

Software Requirements

Standard Web browser

NIH Image

Internet access to MRI database

Any spreadsheet application

Possible Objectives

Teachers may choose to emphasize certain portions of this material over others.

Students will learn some basics of MRI terminology and techniques.
Students will learn to use a Web-based image database and NIH Image to analyze MRI data.
Students will learn to identify the eye of the developing chick from MR images.
Students will learn about embryonic development and growth by examining MR images of a developing chick in the egg.
Students will learn to plot and interpret graphs of observational data.
Students will learn to interpret 3-dimensional structure from 2-dimensional images.
Students will learn to formulate hypotheses, set controls, set-up experiment, and analyze data, and draw conclusions based on observations.

Available materials

Unit Background for Teachers

Background material on the scientific method.

Why Slices?

An introduction to the "how's" and "why's" of Magnetic Resonance Imaging

Lessons on the Scientific Method for Students

A week-long activity (or up to 5 forty-minute class periods):

Student Worksheet

A work sheet for teachers to use with their students for the unit.

Teacher Answer Guide

An answer guide for the teachers on the student work sheet.

Unit Feedback

Suggestions and questions by teachers and students on the unit.

Relevance to the science and mathematics education standards

The biological imaging unit is aligned to standards in science, mathematics, and technology education. As an example, the unit meets the recommendations for supporting new teaching and learning approaches with all students as stated in the State Goals for Illinois Learning Technology by enabling students and teachers to experience innovations in biological imaging and help facilitate its integration into the classroom curriculum. (A note to teachers: Please consult your respective state goals on recommendations for supporting technology in learning.)

As already stated in the unit objectives, students will learn to use appropriate measurement techniques to interpret their results as they engage in scientific inquiry process.

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