Dissection is a classical biological and anatomical activity in many middle, high school, and college-level courses. The experience can be quite traumatizing for some students and could turn some students away from medical or other biological careers... even if those careers don't involve live or dead organisms. Alternatives exist that can keep everyone involved, reduces trauma, reduces animal suffering and death, and may serve to save money in the long run.
In the list that follows, I have provided a brief introduction to some programs and opportunities for students in your biological sciences classroom. Many of these alternatives provide high-quality, interactive experiences that can sometimes be even more instructive than traditional dissection.
Computer Simulations and Digital Dissections: With the growth of technology, there are many digital dissection tools available. Programs like Froguts, Digital Frog, and others provide virtual dissection experiences where students can "dissect" a variety of organisms on their computers or tablets. They usually provide high-quality images, comprehensive information about the organism, and interactive exploration opportunities. Students can often dissect and reassemble the organism multiple times, improving their understanding. Implementation: An assignment could involve students using a program like Froguts to virtually dissect a frog. The students would follow the on-screen instructions to make cuts, remove organs, and identify structures, and then submit screenshots or written answers to questions about the structures they identified.
3D Models: These are physical models of animals or parts of an organism that can be used to teach students about anatomy. 3D models can be highly detailed and accurate, and they can be taken apart and put back together. Implementation: During a unit on human anatomy, you could use a detailed 3D model of the human heart. Students could work in groups to take the heart apart, identify the different structures, and then put it back together. They could also be given a worksheet with questions about the function of each part of the heart to answer as they work.
Videos and Animations: Videos of actual dissections can be a powerful tool in the classroom. They can show real-life examples of the processes and techniques involved in dissection, which can be paused, replayed, or slowed down for further understanding. Similarly, animations can provide a more stylized and approachable way to demonstrate the same concepts. Though still a violent act, this provides an option. Teachers could show an older video without having to contribute to fresh acts of violence and animal capture just for dissection. This could also be a possibility for teachers where their administration is more adamant about having a "LIVE' experience. This still could be a traumatic experience however so teachers must use caution and survey the room. Implementation: Show a video of a professional biologist dissecting an animal, and pause the video periodically to discuss the techniques being used, the structures being identified, and any other relevant points. Students can take notes and answer questions related to the video.
Online Interactive Anatomy Platforms: Sites like BioDigital offer comprehensive, interactive 3D models of various organisms. These can be rotated, zoomed in, and virtually dissected to provide a highly detailed view of anatomical structures. Implementation: For a lesson on fish anatomy, students could use BioDigital to explore a 3D model of a fish. They would identify different structures, learn about their functions, and complete a worksheet or quiz based on their exploration.
Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) Tools: These tools, such as VictoryXR, can provide an immersive dissection experience. With AR, students can use a smartphone or tablet to view and interact with 3D models in the real world. With VR, students can use a headset to step into a virtual lab and perform a dissection. There are smartphone apps such as Visible Body as well as inexpensive cardboard VR headsets to use. Advanced apps such as Dissection Master XR is a great tool for advanced Medical courses in AP, college, and University. Implementation: Using a tool like Microsoft HoloLens, students could perform a VR dissection of a shark. They would use hand gestures to "cut" into the shark, remove organs, and identify structures, then submit a report or presentation based on their findings.
Synthetic Animal Models (like SynFrog): SynFrog, created by SynDaver, is a highly realistic, synthetic model of a frog that can be used as an alternative to traditional dissection. The model is crafted to mimic the texture, color, and complexity of a real frog's anatomy. The synthetic frog includes removable, anatomically correct organs and does not contain any harmful chemicals or odors, ensuring a safe and ethical learning environment. SynFrog presents a unique opportunity for students to learn about anatomy without causing harm to living creatures. This realistic model eliminates the exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals like formaldehyde and formalin which are commonly used in traditional dissection. Moreover, this tool provides a unique hands-on experience to understand anatomy in-depth. Implementation: Teachers could use the SynFrog Dissection Model in a lesson about amphibian anatomy. The lesson could begin with a brief lecture about frog anatomy, after which the students, working individually or in small groups, could dissect their SynFrog models following the instructions provided in the dissection lab guide. Students could remove and identify organs, and then put them back. To wrap up, students could complete the provided lab worksheet to reinforce what they've learned or prepare a short presentation discussing the frog's anatomy and the function of its various organs.
The alternatives to traditional animal dissection, such as digital tools, 3D models, animations, online platforms, VR/AR technology, and synthetic models like SynFrog, provide a significant advancement in humane biology education. They help reduce student stress and give more wary students the confidence to participate without feeling traumatized. They reduce animal suffering and death, eliminate exposure to harmful preservation chemicals, and offer reusable, cost-effective learning solutions. These resources foster a detailed understanding of anatomy through safe, interactive, and engaging experiences. By incorporating these innovative tools, educators can promote respect for life and science while ensuring a high-quality, affordable education for their students.