A Selection of Online Laboratories for Teaching Invertebrate Animals in the “Organic Diversity” Chapter of Biology for Grades 7–8

Master’s student of the 2nd year of the EP “7M01513-Biology”, Kazakh National Pedagogical University named after Abay, Almaty,Kazakhstan

e-mail: bota200209@gmail.com

Abstract
The integration of online laboratories into biology education offers an innovative approach to teaching invertebrate animals within the “Organic Diversity” chapter. This study reviews and evaluates several online platforms that can enhance learning for students in grades 7–8. By leveraging digital tools, educators can provide interactive, ethical, and accessible learning experiences that align with curriculum standards and foster deeper understanding of biodiversity. The findings of this review highlight the educational potential of virtual labs, gamified tools, and biodiversity exploration platforms.

Key words: biodiversity, biology, invertebrate, virtual lab, platform

Introduction
Teaching invertebrate animals in the “Organic Diversity” chapter is crucial for understanding biodiversity and ecological interconnections. Invertebrates, which include species such as arthropods, mollusks, annelids, and cnidarians, represent the majority of animal diversity and play key roles in ecosystems. Traditional teaching methods often rely on textbooks, slides, and physical specimens, which may not fully engage students or accommodate ethical considerations, such as the avoidance of live animal dissections. Online laboratories present an alternative that combines interactive, visually engaging, and ethical approaches to teaching. This article identifies and evaluates effective online tools for teaching invertebrate biology to middle school students, with the goal of enhancing comprehension and fostering curiosity about organic diversity.

Methodology
This review adopted a systematic approach to identify suitable online laboratories. Platforms were selected based on their relevance to invertebrate biology, ease of access for students in grades 7–8, interactivity, and alignment with curriculum standards. Detailed analysis was conducted to assess the content quality, engagement potential, and the extent to which the platforms address key learning outcomes such as classification, anatomy, and ecological importance of invertebrates.

Results and Discussion

1. Interactive Virtual Labs

Labster
Labster offers interactive modules covering biodiversity and invertebrate zoology. Through 3D simulations, students can explore the anatomy, behavior, and ecological roles of invertebrates such as arthropods and mollusks in virtual ecosystems.
- Strengths: High-quality visual simulations, real-world problem-solving scenarios, and alignment with STEM goals.
- Applications: Enables students to visualize and analyze complex biological concepts in a self-paced, interactive environment.

BioMan Biology
BioMan Biology integrates gamified learning into biology lessons, including modules on invertebrate classification and basic anatomy.
- Strengths: Combines animations, quizzes, and interactive games to simplify complex topics.

- Applications: Useful for engaging younger students with introductory concepts, making learning fun and accessible.

HHMI BioInteractive
Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s BioInteractive platform provides free, scientifically accurate resources. Its interactive diagrams, videos, and animations are particularly effective for teaching evolutionary relationships and the unique characteristics of invertebrates.
- Strengths: Detailed, research-backed content developed by educators and scientists.
- Applications: Facilitates critical thinking about biodiversity and evolutionary connections.

2. Virtual Dissection Tools

DissectionWorks
DissectionWorks provides virtual dissection tools for invertebrates, such as earthworms, squids, and crustaceans. These tools are especially valuable for educators seeking alternatives to traditional dissections.
- Strengths: Interactive and detailed models that replicate the dissection experience without ethical concerns.
- Applications: Enhances understanding of anatomy and physiology in an engaging and humane manner.

Froggipedia
Although primarily focused on vertebrates, Froggipedia offers comparative anatomy tools that can help students draw parallels between vertebrates and invertebrates.

- Strengths: High-resolution anatomical models and interactive features.
- Applications: Encourages comparative study and promotes anatomical literacy.

3. Biodiversity Exploration Platforms

iNaturalist
This platform combines citizen science with interactive learning, allowing students to document and identify local invertebrate species. It fosters connections between classroom content and real-world biodiversity.
- Strengths: Supports experiential learning and environmental stewardship.
- Applications: Ideal for outdoor biology assignments and ecological studies.

Google Earth Voyager
Google Earth Voyager includes thematic tours that explore the habitats of various invertebrates, such as coral reefs, mangroves, and forest floors.
- Strengths: Engages students with visual storytelling and geographical context.
- Applications: Broadens students’ understanding of the global distribution and ecological significance of invertebrates.

4. Gamified Learning Tools

Kahoot! and Quizizz
These platforms enable teachers to design interactive quizzes focused on invertebrate diversity, anatomy, and habitats. The competitive and gamified format appeals to middle school learners.
- Strengths: Increases student engagement and knowledge retention.

- Applications: Effective for reinforcing classroom learning in an interactive format.

PhET Interactive Simulations
While more commonly used for physics and chemistry, PhET simulations include modules on ecological systems that involve invertebrates.
- Strengths: Demonstrates ecosystem interactions involving invertebrate species.
- Applications: Helps students understand the role of invertebrates in ecological systems.

Conclusion
The integration of online laboratories into the teaching of invertebrate animals provides an engaging and innovative approach to biology education. Tools such as Labster, BioMan Biology, and iNaturalist offer diverse ways to teach complex topics, from anatomy to ecological roles, in an interactive and accessible manner. These platforms not only enhance comprehension but also inspire curiosity and a deeper appreciation for biodiversity among students. By incorporating these tools into lessons, educators can foster critical thinking and prepare students for advanced scientific exploration.

References
1. Labster. (n.d.). Virtual labs for biology education. Retrieved from [https://www.labster.com](https://www.labster.com)
2. BioMan Biology. (n.d.). Interactive biology [https://www.biomanbio.com](https://www.biomanbio.com)
3. HHMI BioInteractive. (n.d.). Resources for science education. Retrieved from [https://www.biointeractive.org](https://www.biointeractive.org)
4. iNaturalist. (n.d.). Citizen science platform. Retrieved from learning. Retrieved from [https://www.inaturalist.org](https://www.inaturalist.org)
5. Google Earth Voyager. (n.d.). Biodiversity tours. Retrieved from [https://earth.google.com](https://earth.google.com)
6. DissectionWorks. (n.d.). Virtual dissection tools. Retrieved from [https://www.dissectionworks.com](https://www.dissectionworks.com)
7. Froggipedia. (n.d.). Interactive anatomy app. Retrieved from [https://froggipedia.com](https://froggipedia.com)