Have you ever wondered how certain objects like skin or bugs end up on a microscope slide without getting damaged over time? One of the techniques that answers this question is OCT tissue embedding! OCT tissue embedding is a process in which a piece of tissue is surrounded by an embedding medium called optimal cutting temperature (OCT) like a pokéball and gets frozen instantly. As a result, the tissue is preserved and ready to be cross-sectioned (aka sliced into thin sections) and placed onto a microscope slide!!
The student handout will be given to all students working on the design challenge. It gives a brief recap of the story, it helps the students identify what they are attempting to achieve, and it recaps the design process.
This Facilitator Guide provides the instructor additional information on how to run the design challenge with alternatives for materials and test setups as well as information to help make the design challenge a good educational experience.
The Telling the Story Video conveys the societal impact of the student’s research that is the basis for the design challenge and will set the problem-solving context for students.
The Design Challenge Video leads students through the design process. It indicates materials available, states what the criteria are for success and any constraints. It also gives a second ‘level’ of the design challenge that allows ‘early completers’ to move on to a slightly more difficult challenge.