Classroom ChIRPs

Virtual dissections October 14, 2009

It’s a  useful learning activity to dissect animals in biology classes…for some students. I believe that a hands-on dissection can create a meaningful learning experience by encouraging students to explore, ask questions, and experience biology (guts and all) in that hand of the student. However, consideration should be given to students who are not comfortable dissecting animals due to cultural, religious, or ethical reasons. The BC curriculum does not specifically require dissection, and it is up to the teacher what activities they would like to include in their classroom. For students who wish to opt out of dissection, here are a few virtual dissection sites that may be substituted.

Animals, Ethics, and Education – Features a bank of free dissection alternatives by grade level, animal, and type of alternative

Cow’s Eye Dissection – A great site through Exploratorium that is kid-friendly and useful for grade 8

Frog Guts – Requires subscription for virtual dissection CD ROMs of frog, squid, starfish, fetal pig, owl pellets, cow eye, peas, and flies. (I remember when this was free…)

(This post was inspired by an article in the Janet Steffenhagen’s “Report Card” blog featured in the Vancouver Sun.)