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What do physicians, forensic pathologists, and biology teachers have in common? They all began their careers in biology and anatomy class, and they all likely participated in a dissection lab or two.
Whether it’s a guided frog dissection or an in-depth examination of a cow’s eye, a dissection lab gives students a unique perspective on the anatomy of living things. Use low-prep practical and virtual dissection resources for your next anatomy lesson, along with other ideas for creative ways to teach these important hands-on skills.
Frog Dissection Lab Resources for High School
One of the traditional STEM activities for high school is the frog dissection lab. High school students group together to study vertebrate anatomy, the interactions between organs and organ systems, and the similarities and differences between frog and human biologies in both practical and virtual frog dissections.
A successful frog dissection can also be part of an ecology or environmental science unit. Students can take what they learned from their dissection lab and apply it to their understanding of animal adaptations, biomes and geographical conditions, and the delicate nature of a complex ecosystem.
Frog Dissection Lab
By Science Teaching Junkie Inc
Grades: 6th-10th
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Science
This frog dissection lab includes a student lab guide along with lab handouts for students, and a teacher answer key with instruction tips. Use the included materials list to equip your frog dissection activity in your science class before students begin.
High School Fetal Pig Dissection Resources
Because of the similarities between human and pig internal systems, fetal pig dissection is a common element of a high school anatomy class. Fetal pigs are often easier to obtain for large numbers of learners, and the structure of their soft tissue and bones makes it easier for younger or less experienced anatomy students to dissect them.
A fetal pig dissection lab could be an excellent addition to a biology unit on fetal development or human anatomy. Additionally, budding doctors in health-focused science classes may take extra interest in contrasting the physiology of fetal pigs and older pigs.
Fetal Pig Dissection, Review Activities, and Lab Test
By Science from Scratch
Grades: 10th-12th
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Health
Spend six days learning about the anatomy of fetal pigs with a resource that includes everything you need (except the pigs themselves). Small groups use over 80 instructional slides, a 16-page packet, and a set of digital flashcards to work through the fetal pig dissection lab before a 100-point station-style practical.
Earthworm Dissection High School Resources
More than 90% of all animal species on Earth are invertebrates, so dissecting one in class could be an extraordinarily educational opportunity for younger students. Once they have studied and dissected vertebrates, they can conduct an earthworm dissection to compare the different structures of each type of animal.Â
Earthworm dissection activities are especially beneficial in classes where students need a basic understanding of biological systems or a very straightforward dissection process. Environmental science and earth science courses are also good forums for earthworm dissection labs, as students can transfer their understanding of decomposers and soil ecosystems to what they see in their dissection lab.
EARTHWORM Bundle: Illustrated notes | Paper Dissection Model | Google Slides
By Mad Garden Science
Grades: 4th-11th
Subjects: Biology, General Science, Science
Standards: NGSS 4-LS1-1, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, HS-LS1-3
Aligned to NGSS for life science concepts, this earthworm dissection resource illustrates the hidden and fascinating world of soil restoration without dissecting an actual earthworm. It comes with differentiated illustrated notes and a presentation to guide students through an anatomy unit.
High School Cow Eye Dissection Activities
Finish a unit on the mammalian eye with a cow eye dissection that reinforces student understanding of the structure of an eye. Cow eyes are often easier to obtain than other specimens, allowing high schoolers to work in smaller groups than in other dissection labs, and can be an instrumental way for students to see how the eye works in a practical application.
Cow eyes are also very similar to human eyes, allowing participants to view similar elements like the iris, lens, retina, and vitreous body. Due to the tricky and slippery nature of dissecting a cow eye, this dissection lab is best suited for intermediate to advanced learners, preferably those with some dissection experience or an extensive understanding of anatomical structures.
Parts of Cow Eye Dissection
By Rae Rocks Teaching
Grades: 11th-12th
Subjects: Anatomy, General Science, Science
Standards: HS-LS1-2
Provide students with foundational knowledge of the structure of a cow’s eye using 10 analysis questions and a detailed manual that provides a step-by-step procedure guide. Incredible images and background information make this resource a must-use for your next cow eye dissection lab.
High School Virtual Cat Dissection Labs
Cats used to be more common subjects of animal dissection activities, as they were relatively easy to source and provided an interesting compare-and-contrast model for human anatomy. While the practice of in-person cat dissection has declined in recent decades, virtual animal dissection programs allow students to obtain the same information and skills in a more humane manner.
This type of cat dissection lab is especially helpful for students working remotely or independently, or for classes with more access to technology than to dissection materials. It could also prepare high schoolers for an upcoming practical dissection activity and allow them to study important anatomical features they may see later in the year.
Cat Dissection Zoology | Biology 3-D Anatomy Paper Dissection Model & Lesson
By Inside Out Science
Grades: 5th-12th
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Environment
Standards: NGSS MS-LS1-1, 1-2, 1-4; MS-LS3; MS-LS4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6Â
Want to do an animal dissection in anatomy class but don’t have the supplies, class maturity, or time? Use a lab simulation that takes students through a cat dissection without needing a scalpel (a real one, that is). This resource includes student reading materials and templates for differentiation, as well as a PowerPoint presentation that guides students through each step of the virtual cat dissection.Â
Plant Dissection Labs for High Schoolers
Whether you’re planning an in-class dissection lab or making a list of possible high school science fair projects, a plant dissection activity could be just what you need to help students understand the true nature of nature. Plant dissections allow students of all ages to see the internal anatomy and reproductive systems of any plant you choose to showcase in class, from vegetables and fruits to more elaborate flowers.
Plant and flower dissection labs are excellent choices for classrooms without the facilities or time for animal dissections, as plants are much easier to obtain and dissect. They can also help students get ready for more advanced dissection labs with their relatively straightforward procedures and structures.
Plants – Flower Dissection Lab
By Biology Roots
Grades: 9th-12th
Subjects: Biology, Environment, General Science
Bring your biology lesson to life with a flower dissection lab that challenges students to find various plant reproductive structures, including the pistil, stamen, and ovary. Perfect for a botany lesson or to reinforce a unit on the anatomy of plants, the dissection lab includes editable student guides, a teacher guide, a flower diagram for students to label, a materials list, and extension questions for extra practice.
More High School Dissection Lab Ideas
Beyond these classic dissection lab activities and resources are creative dissection ideas that are becoming more popular in schools. See if you can work these concepts into your anatomy or biology class this year.Â
- Owl Pellet Dissection: Students can piece together an owl’s last few meals without harming the owl and learning more about the local food web.
- Sheep Heart Dissection Lab: After studying the cardiovascular system, high schoolers can view the four chambers and vessels of a sheep heart and compare them to images of a human heart in a heart dissection lab.
- Chicken Wing Dissection Lab: Easy to obtain and facilitate, a chicken wing dissection lab enriches a musculoskeletal unit as students examine the chicken’s bones, muscles, tendons, and skin.
- Squid Dissection Lab: Extend a unit on cephalopod anatomy with a squid dissection lab, which showcases a squid’s unique features (including an ink sac and three hearts).
- Fish Dissection Lab: As high schoolers dissect fish, they learn more about fish anatomy and common environmental risks to sealife, including microplastics and parasites.
Additionally, if you’re teaching an advanced-level anatomy or biology class, consider taking a trip to a lab facility for students to view human cadavers or preserved human organs. (Due to the sensitive nature of this activity, you’ll want to ensure your students are mature and motivated in their understanding of anatomy.)
Dissect your science curriculum to maximize instruction
When your science curriculum includes high-quality resources for dissections and other labs, you don’t need to worry about students getting engaged or interested in what you’re teaching. Some of your students may even be inspired enough by a high school dissection lab or forensic science unit to pursue biology as a career path.