Biology Lab Essentials: Dissection Alternative, Practice & Preparation
What's included
1 live meeting
1 hrs 10 mins in-class hours per weekHomework
1 hour per week. Homework: -Prior to class print PDF files from class page (template and numeric key, 2-3 pages each) -This class is intensive, it is crucial for learners to prepare cut pieces before each session. (30 min - 1 hour) **Learners have the option to print a colored model or a black-line template that they can color themselves. Having the numeric key while cutting or coloring will be beneficial and aid in becoming familiar with the parts.Assessment
It is recommended that teachers or parents listen to students as they present their completed models and describe the various parts. Additionally, students may have lab journal notes from open lab time that they can share. If needed, they can use the provided numeric key for reference. Having a lab practical is optional and not mandatory.Class Experience
US Grade 9 - 12
Save $5 (until Aug. 16) Code: ANDERE9KL25 EARTHWORM / CRAYFISH/ PERCH/ FROG/ PIG toward completion of High School Biology lab hours. This lab intensive provides a chance for learners to compare animals and learn about their distinct traits. Apart from enjoying creating the models, this intensive also facilitates a quick and effortless study of animals, helping learners distinguish the similarities and differences between them. Consequently, this kinesthetic experience leads to better retention of the information. The High School Biology learners will study anatomy and compare four traditional animals: earthworms, crayfish, frogs, perch and pig. The animal-friendly models used in this course accurately replicate anatomy and are color-coded for easy comparison between specimens. Each model mimics a real dissection process, including how it opens up and how organs and systems are positioned within the organism. By using these models, your student will gain a deeper understanding of body systems and be able to confidently compare them. During each class, you will learn step-by-step how to assemble models, with the help of a numeric key that identifies the organs and functions. If you are a visual learner, you will have access to photos of each step. First, the study of external anatomy is done, and then the study of internal anatomy follows. After that, you will simulate the dissection process and pin the models to the dissection tray (cardboard). You can either use a dissection kit or tools available in your house. After pinning the specimens, learners will have the opportunity to practice techniques during open lab time. They will receive guidance on how to apply these techniques to items such as a cooked hotdog or a banana. The choice of activity during open lab time after the first class will be up to the students based on their interests, including pinning models, dissecting food, observing live animals, or viewing slides and samples under a compound microscope (or digital microscope). Students are encouraged to write their observations in a lab journal -on paper, or digitally - during open lab time. Some learners may choose to use this course in preparation for dissecting a real specimen, while others will choose to simply study the model. Those wishing to continue view a video of a real specimen dissection will have the opportunity during open lab time, where they will see techniques learned in class applied to specimen anatomy, this also will easily walk your learner through the process should they choose to dissect at home. **Note: The last 20 minutes of class will be designated for open lab time and choice study. Homework: -Prior to class print PDF files from class page (template and numeric key, 2-3 pages each) -This class is intensive, it is crucial for learners to prepare cut pieces before each session. **Learners have the option to print a colored model or a black-line template that they can color themselves. Having the numeric key while cutting or coloring will be beneficial and aid in becoming familiar with the parts. Class schedule: Class 1: Earth Worm Class 2: Crayfish Class 3: Perch Class 4: Frog Class 5: Pig *similar to human body This course is being offered as lab experience for High School Biology students, the purpose to give them guided lab experience toward meeting lab requirements. Animal dissection is an important part of High School Biology and the study of how animal organs are laid out, preparation for studying human anatomy as well. It can be hard to try to do on your own if unfamiliar with the techniques used to properly dissect a specimen. A major challenge is not just dissecting the specimen, but also identifying its parts. The organs and layers may not be as clear as they appear in diagrams. Building 3D paper models can help students understand how the organs are arranged in a physical sense, including when they overlap or are hidden. The lab lecture includes an introduction to the classification of animals and an overview of human anatomy.
Learning Goals
- Produce 3D models of different animal species to visually showcase their internal anatomy and systems.
- Comparing similarities and differences among animals.
- Practicing basic dissection techniques using non-animal specimens.
- Utilizing open lab time to practice lab techniques of choice and keeping a lab journal.
- Improving understanding of animal classification and human anatomy.
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Please feel free to let me know of any issues your learner may have that I need to be aware of. I always strive to be considerate towards learners, so don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions or concerns. This will help me make sure that your learner has a positive lab experience.
**To improve the efficiency of class time, please assist students with scheduling time to print and prepare the necessary model pieces. Additionally, visual learners will benefit from the step-by-step pictures provided to help assemble the models.
In this activity, students will learn basic dissection techniques using a scalpel or pairing knife. They will also practice pinning non-animal specimens, such as a banana, hotdog/cooked potato, flower, and grape. It is important for them to have a clean workspace.
Supply List
Print PDFs of models and numeric key - Page protectors can be helpful for organizing models and numeric keys -composition or other form of notebook to keep lab notes -Pen, colored pencils (if coloring model) - hot dog or potato (cooked, cooled), banana, orange -4 or more pieces of carboard or Styrofoam trays for dissection practice - dissection kit or materials (pairing knife, sewing pins in storage container, probe /tooth picks, tweezers) -Glue stick or glue dots Open Lab (optional): - fruit with skin, flower, other items to dissect -live worm for observation, include soil/ grass in container -crustacean / fish either live or from seafood section -live frog or other amphibian for observation **either observe live animals in their environment or catch and release after lab
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in Biology/Biological Sciences from State University of New York College at Brockport
Associate's Degree from Salvation Army School for Officer Training
I have completed several units of Biology Essentials: Dissection Alternatives and incorporated student feedback to enhance them. The classes include color models, additional step-by-step images, opportunities to practice dissection on non-animal specimens, and pinning modeling exercises. The external and internal parts and their functions are discussed through lecture while students assemble models. These classes showcase the distinct features of each animal and also highlight similarities between animal systems, making for an engaging study.
For a few years, I served as an in-person Biology lab instructor for multiple sections at a local co-op. During my tenure, I guided pupils through dissection exercises featuring real specimens such as crayfish, earthworms, perch, and frogs. I also helped students develop their lab techniques and taught them how to identify hard-to-spot details.
I aim to support your student in building confidence and practical skills through guidance in their studies. Although books have their uses, nothing compares to the benefits of hands-on learning and witnessing the marvels of Biology. My love for Biology stems from its deceptive simplicity, which upon deeper examination reveals a truly astounding complexity.
My area of study is Biology, and I hold a Bachelor of Science degree where I learned about microbiology, histology, and aquatic invertebrates. In my co-op lab classes, I gained hands-on experience with microscopes and learned how to create slides rather than just viewing prepared ones. I am now providing microscope classes through Outschool, where students are encouraged to use their compound or digital microscopes during open lab time. I utilize digital cameras to share my own microscope view, as well as encourage students' to share their microscope view. While I value traditional lab techniques, I also believe that technology can enhance the lab experience when appropriate.
Reviews
Live Group Class
$23
weekly1x per week
70 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
2-4 learners per class