Utilizing Playdoh in the Classroom to Construct a 3D Model Depicting Cellular Movements and Tissue Remodeling during Human Gastrulation, Early Organogenesis, and Embryonic Folding

Abstract

In classroom studies of mammalian embryology, students must fully grasp the cellular and tissue remodeling needed to initiate gastrulation to ensure comprehension of forthcoming developmental processes such as tissue specification and organogenesis. However, quickly and completely communicating three-dimensional concepts such as gastrulation, neurulation, and embryonic folding through common two-dimensional tools such as PowerPoint is challenging for students because this method lacks the spatial orientation needed to fully understand development.