Dissection
Animal Dissection
We will be dissecting several animals and animal organs during our human body unit in the spring. Some are done as class demos and others are done in small lab groups.
We will be dissecting fetal pigs during the last week of school in June. Students will work in groups of four. Fetal pigs are used for dissection because they are remarkably similar to humans. Dissection allows students to learn about the anatomy and physiology of animals, and to make comparisons between different animals. Dissection also helps students realize how tissues, organs, and organ systems are related.
Plant Dissection
We will dissect flowers during our reproduction unit in early spring. Students will work in groups of 2 and each will dissect his/her own flower. Accommodations will be made for students with allergies.
The Pig Dissection will include the following:
I. Pre-lab Assignment
II. Dissection Technique and Conduct
- Safety rules followed including wearing proper PPE
- Proper technique used
- Dissection done with care
- Specimen treated with respect
III. Lab Report
- Procedures and Observations questions answered
- Drawings: completed, in pencil, labeled
Analysis and Interpretations questions answered
IV. Daily Clean Up
- desk clean and dry
- tools/tray properly cleaned and put away
- specimen properly discarded
- assigned sink clean and dry
- hands washed
Alternative Project to Pig Dissection
In place of the pig dissection, students may chose to do a virtual dissection. A lab packet will be available to help guide them through the dissection. They will do the virtual dissection in the library while their class is performing an actual pig dissection in the classroom. Follow the link below to the virtual dissection. A handful of students typically chose this route each year.