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

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. Therefore, professors can utilize active learning approaches with 3D-modeling clay to aid students in visualizing developmental changes. 3D-modeling of the developmental processes focused on cell and tissue movements for the initiation of gastrulation and organogenesis is limited in published literature/videos. Therefore, this activity fills in the modeling gap by focusing on the detachment and movement of the epiblast cell through the primitive streak to generate the three germ layers, neural tube folding, cardiogenesis, and the anatomical position of the early brain and heart to drive embryonic folding. The usage of this hands-on learning tool will assist lecturers in preventing early gaps in knowledge while students first construct the model and allows for correction in misunderstandings by utilizing the complete model in discussions after construction.