Snail Eggs: Tracking the development of a snail embryo from ball of cells to beating heart

(El) Students use hand lenses, dissecting microscopes, and compound microscopes to examine developing snail eggs. Students may see eggs in early development and/or in late developmental stages. For older students, some basic anatomy can be discussed, including the snail’s beating heart. Materials available: Supplies list and directions, student worksheet for in-class activity.

(MS/HS) Students use hand lenses, and dissecting or compound microscopes to examine developing snail eggs. Students may see different stages of development. After observation, students design an experiment to explore either snail development or physiology. For example, students could record the heart rate under normal conditions, then subject the eggs to different treatments (such as temperature) and observe the effect on heart rate. Materials available are the same as above.

Snail Eggs Supplies and Directions (pdf 219 KB)
Snail Eggs Handout (pdf 184 KB)