MEBANE, N.C. -- Hawfields Middle School 6th graders are learning about different parts of the eye.
"We learned about how to dissect a cow eye and see what the anatomy of a cow eye is. So if we cut it open, we can see the lens, muscles, etc.," said student Emily Rush.
"We've been learning about forces of motion. So we tie in light, how the eye functions, how the brain processes it, how the light comes into the eye, flips the image, goes onto the retina, and then the brain processes it," said teacher Sadie Phelan.
Students also found out more about the similarities and differences between cow and human eyes.
"Humans eyes have more muscles than the cow's eyes," said student Leas Abusel.
They are using brainpower to investigate more about exactly how things work.
"I think the coolest thing about this experiment is just seeing how the eye works and what parts look like in the eye," said Rush.
And because we use our eyes every day, students are learning about things that apply to them every day, or could in the future. For example, LASIK surgery or wearing glasses.
"We have a student who is color-blind, and he's been able to understand that more clearly and understand what part of his eye isn't functioning properly," said Phelan.
The hands-on experience made all the difference in helping students learn.
"I know how that feels. I know what that looks like, instead of just looking at a picture," said Rush.
"You can actually look at the optic nerve and cut it out and see how it feels," said Abusel.
It’s an eye-opening experience, inspiring future careers in STEM.
"I've always wanted to be a scientist or a nurse. If you have a dream, pursue it and maybe it will come true!" said Rush.