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A Lesson in Dissection with Mr. Watt

By Watt, Haley on May 11, 2022

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High school students in Mr. Watt's Biology II class experienced a lesson in dissection.

It's important to know that these pigs are not bred for dissection, but are a by-product of the pork food industry. Fetal pigs are excellent specimens for studying mammalian anatomy and share many of the same features found in humans.

Dissection is a hands-on and investigatory activity for students. Students were assigned a fetal pig to carefully dissect with a partner or small group. Students are able to identify important structures of the fetal pig's anatomy. They also engage in observational and kinesthetic learning that helps them develop an appreciation for the structure of the animal, and view the muscular diaphragm, a 4-chambered heart, and mammary glands. The dissection will take place over the course of four days this week, and will focus on several body systems. Students will explore external anatomy and the oral cavity, and then shift their focus to the digestive, respiratory, circulatory, and urogenital systems. This dissection is a capstone to the year. Students have worked hard for two years studying several different units of study, and the last one focuses on the physiology and anatomy of animals.