MICDS seventh graders have embarked on an engaging and educational adventure as they dive into biology through the fascinating (or not-so-fascinating for some) experience of dissecting fetal pigs. This hands-on activity is a memorable learning experience and a crucial step in enhancing their understanding of the intricate workings of the digestive, circulatory, and respiratory systems.
The first dissection adventure was dedicated to unraveling the secrets of the digestive system. With a range of sensations from hesitation and queasiness to curiosity and enthusiasm, students meticulously explored the inner workings of a pig and examined its digestive organs. This task allowed students to connect textbook knowledge to tangible, real-life structures. They witnessed firsthand how food travels through the digestive tract, helping them grasp the essential processes in the human body that are responsible for breaking down and absorbing nutrients.
Students weighed in on the educational adventure:
- “It was kind of smelly but interesting. It was cool to see it in person rather than just an image.” – Ashini Craig ’29
- “It was a surprise to see all the structures so clearly, but it was cool how they all connected together and could fit in such a small area.” – Timo Finnegan ’29
- “After seeing all the diagrams in class, it was cool to see it in real life.” – Sam Gabrielson ’29
- “I found it interesting to see it in real life. It was different from all the pictures we had seen. It was layered versus pictures which are only flat.” – Ashton Constantine ’29
But wait, there’s more! Next week, these budding scientists will delve into the circulatory and respiratory systems of the same pig. This dissection phase will reveal the complex network of blood vessels and the intricate mechanisms behind oxygen transport—a crucial element in understanding how their own bodies function.
This activity empowers students to connect textbook content and practice and brings their understanding of the human body to a higher level.