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What do doctors, forensic pathologists, and biology teachers have in common? They all began their careers in biology and anatomy classes, and likely attended an anatomy laboratory or two.
Whether it’s a guided frog dissection or an in-depth examination of a cow’s eye, the dissection lab provides students with a unique perspective on the anatomy of living things. Use low-prep hands-on and virtual dissection resources, as well as other ideas for creative ways to teach these important practical skills in your next anatomy class.
High School Frog Anatomy Lab Resources
One of the traditional high school STEM activities is the Frog Anatomy Lab. High school students work in groups to learn about vertebrate anatomy, the interactions between organs and organ systems, and the similarities and differences between frog and human biology in actual and virtual frog dissections.
A successful frog dissection can also form part of an ecology or environmental science unit. Students can take knowledge learned in the anatomy laboratory and apply it to an understanding of animal adaptations, biomes and geographical conditions, and the subtle nature of complex ecosystems.
Frog Anatomy Laboratory
Author: Science Teaching Fan Company
Grade: 6-10
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Science
This frog anatomy lab includes a student lab guide with student lab handouts and teacher answer keys with guidance tips. Before students begin, use the included materials list to equip a frog dissection activity in science class.
High School Fetal Pig Anatomy Resources
Fetal pig dissection is a common part of high school anatomy classes due to the similarities in the internal systems of humans and pigs. Fetal pigs are generally more accessible to mass learners, and the structure of their soft tissue and bones makes them easier to dissect for younger or less experienced anatomy students.
The fetal pig anatomy lab can be an excellent addition to a fetal development or human anatomy biology unit. Additionally, budding physicians in health-focused science courses may be particularly interested in comparing the physiology of fetal and older pigs.
Fetal pig dissection, review activities and laboratory tests
science from scratch
Grade: Grade 10-12
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Health
Spend six days learning the anatomy of the fetal pig, with everything you need included (except the pig itself). Prior to a 100-point workstation-style practical, the group completed the fetal pig anatomy lab using more than 80 teaching slides, a 16-page packet, and a set of digital flashcards.
Earthworm Anatomy High School Resources
More than 90% of all animal species on Earth are invertebrates, so dissecting animals in the classroom can be an extraordinary educational opportunity for young students. Once they have studied and dissected vertebrates, they can perform earthworm dissections to compare the different structures of each animal.
The earthworm dissection activity is particularly beneficial in classes where students need a basic understanding of biological systems or require very simple dissection procedures. Environmental science and earth science courses are also good forums for earthworm dissection labs because students can transfer their understanding of decomposers and soil ecosystems to what they see in the dissection lab.
EARTHWORM Bundle: Illustrated Notes | Paper Anatomy Models | Google Slides
Author: Crazy Garden Science
Grade: 4-11
Subjects: Biology, General Science, Science
Standard: NGSS 4-LS1-1, MS-LS1-3, MS-LS1-4, HS-LS1-3
This earthworm dissection resource is aligned with the NGSS of Life Science Concepts and demonstrates the hidden and fascinating world of soil remediation without dissecting actual earthworms. It comes with differentiated illustrated notes and presentations to guide students through the anatomy unit.
High school bull’s eye dissection activity
Complete the unit on the mammalian eye through cow’s eye anatomy to enhance students’ understanding of eye structure. Bovine eyes are generally more readily available than other specimens, which allows high school students to work in smaller groups than in other anatomy labs and can be a tool for students to understand how eyes work in practical applications.
Cow eyes are also very similar to human eyes, allowing participants to see similar elements such as the iris, lens, retina, and vitreous body. Due to the tricky and slippery nature of dissecting a bull’s eye, this dissection lab is best suited for intermediate to advanced learners, preferably those with some dissection experience or a broad understanding of anatomy.
Cow eye anatomy part
Written by Rae Rocks Teaching
Grade: Grade 11-12
Subjects: Anatomy, General Science, Science
Standard: HS-LS1-2
Students are provided with the fundamentals of bull’s-eye construction through 10 analysis questions and a detailed manual that provides step-by-step procedural guidance. Incredible images and background information make this resource a must-have for your next bull’s eye dissection lab.
High School Virtual Cat Anatomy Lab
Cats were once more common objects in animal dissection exercises because they were relatively easy to obtain and provided interesting comparative models for human anatomy. While the practice of live cat dissection has declined in recent decades, virtual animal dissection projects allow students to acquire the same information and skills in a more humane way.
This type of cat anatomy lab is especially helpful for students working remotely or independently, or for courses where the exposure is to technology rather than anatomy material. It also helps high school students prepare for upcoming practical anatomy activities and allows them to study important anatomical features they may see later in the year.
Cat Anatomy Zoology | Biology 3-D Anatomy Paper Anatomy Models and Lessons
Science from the inside out
Grade: Grade 5-12
Subjects: Anatomy, Biology, Environment
Standard: NGSS MS-LS1-1, 1-2, 1-4; MS-LS3; MS-LS4-1, 4-2, 4-3, 4-4, 4-5, 4-6
Want to perform animal dissection in anatomy class but don’t have the materials, course maturity, or time? Using laboratory simulations, students are led through cat dissection without the need for a scalpel (i.e., a real scalpel). This resource includes student reading materials and differentiation templates, as well as a PowerPoint presentation that guides students through each step of the virtual cat anatomy.
Plant anatomy laboratory for high school students
Whether you’re planning a classroom anatomy lab or making a list of possible high school science fair projects, a plant dissection activity may be just what you need to help students understand the true nature of nature. Plant Anatomy allows students of all ages to see the internal anatomy and reproductive system of any plant you choose to display in your class, from vegetables and fruits to more delicate flowers.
The Plant and Flower Anatomy Laboratory is an excellent option for classrooms that do not have the facilities or time to dissect animals because plants are easier to obtain and dissect. They also help prepare students for more advanced anatomy laboratories through relatively simple procedures and structures.
Plants – Flower Anatomy Lab
by biological roots
Grade: Grades 9-12
Subjects: Biology, Environment, General Science
The Flower Anatomy Lab brings biology lessons to life, challenging students to find various plant reproductive structures, including pistils, stamens, and ovaries. Ideal for botany courses or intensive plant anatomy units, the Anatomy Lab includes an editable student guide, teacher’s guide, flower diagrams for students to label, materials lists, and extension questions for additional practice.
More High School Anatomy Lab Ideas
In addition to these classic anatomy lab activities and resources, creative anatomy ideas are increasingly popular in schools. See if you can apply these concepts to your anatomy or biology class this year.
- Owl pellet anatomy: Students can piece together an owl’s last meals without harming it and learn more about the local food web.
- Sheep Heart Anatomy Laboratory: After studying the cardiovascular system, high school students can observe the four chambers and blood vessels of a sheep heart in the heart anatomy lab and compare them to images of the human heart.
- Chicken Wing Anatomy Lab: The chicken wing anatomy lab is easily accessible and convenient, enriching the musculoskeletal unit as students examine the bones, muscles, tendons, and skin of a chicken.
- squid anatomy laboratory: Expand the Cephalopod Anatomy unit with the Squid Anatomy Lab, which demonstrates the unique characteristics of the squid (including the ink sac and three hearts).
- fish anatomy laboratory: When high school students dissect fish, they learn more about fish anatomy and common environmental risks to marine life, including microplastics and parasites.
Additionally, if you are teaching an advanced anatomy or biology course, consider going to a laboratory facility and letting students view human cadavers or preserved human organs. (Due to the sensitive nature of this activity, you need to ensure that your students have a mature and active understanding of anatomy.)
Dissect your science lessons to maximize instruction
When your science courses include high-quality resources on anatomy and other experiments, you don’t have to worry about students being interested or interested in what you’re teaching. Some of your students may even be inspired enough by a high school anatomy lab or forensic science unit to consider biology as a career path.
