EARTHWORM / CRAYFISH/ PERCH/ FROG
toward completion of High School Biology lab hours.

NOTE: MODELS clearly lay out anatomy, and enhance understanding. Students may choose to view dissection of actual dissection or in preparation for the actual dissection of specimen. 

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, perch and frog. 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 (directed by learners). 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. 

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/ practice dissection techniques using food (banana, hot dot or other fruit with skin)
      Class 2: Crayfish 
      Class 3: Perch
      Class 4: Frog
      Class 5: Frog & Review
                   
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.