Clams are an amazing part of the marine ecosystem, cycling nutrients and especially nitrogen, back into the environment. The have a moderately easy anatomy to observe but are a little more complicated than the earthworm (another dissection class that is offered). 

At the beginning of class, we will review the dissection kit tools and their uses. We will also observe the external anatomy of the preserved clam before beginning the dissection. We will see clips of how a clam eats, moves, and swims in its natural environment before beginning our internal dissection. As the dissection begins, students can expect to observe the clam's mantle, foot, digestive glands, gonads, 
intestine, gills, and labial palps. Depending on how old the clam was when it was preserved as well as how easily the student opened it, the heart and kidneys may also be seen.....but not 100% of the time. 

Students need to have either taken Beginning Dissection or have previously used a dissection kit in order to take this class. If they have not, please take my Beginning Dissection class prior to this one. Dissection tools are sharp! Your student must be able to maturely handle these tools during class. 

Recommended Order of Dissection Classes: 
Beginning Dissection
Beginner Earthworm Dissection
Beginner Starfish Dissection
Beginner Clam Dissection
Intermediate Crayfish Dissection
Intermediate Perch Dissection
Intermediate Frog Dissection
Advanced Pig Dissection

Students also need to have their own dissection kit, preserved clam specimen, and a clean place to perform the dissection. Some students also prefer to wear gloves while dissecting as well. 

Please note, fewer numbers of students may result in a shortened class time. 

There will be no refunds issued for a student(s) missing class.