Finding a way to teach dissection without the stress, mess, and cost of actual dissection isn’t out of reach. Students still get an opportunity to study internal systems and structures with simulations in virtual lab settings. Using virtual scalpels, students can experience frog dissection with added accessibility and flexibility.
Exploring frog anatomy: Why are frogs used for dissection?
Why are frogs often used to teach dissection? The answer is simple. Frog anatomy is similar to human anatomy, providing insights into how the human body works. Start with a discussion to get students thinking. What is their prior knowledge, and what questions do they want to answer through dissection? Do students believe frogs have the same or different organs as humans?
With frog dissection, students explore all parts of the anatomy, such as the lobes of the liver, small intestine, and large intestine. They can investigate the abdominal muscles and blood vessels. They can see how body systems, such as circulatory and respiratory systems, work together in frog anatomy, similar to human anatomy. Frog dissection is a critical learning experience! But how can you make it more accessible for your students?
Ethical concerns with frog dissection
Let’s face it. There is controversy with actual dissection in science classes. Dissection versus virtual dissection is a hot topic. Some students may feel discomfort at the idea of dissection. Additionally, teachers and students alike may hold ethical beliefs about animal dissection. Some educators prefer more humane options for meeting those critical learning anatomy goals. With virtual dissection, those concerns fade away, while students still build crucial knowledge. In fact, removing distractions associated with dissection (like the smell, mess, or unease experienced) may help students focus better. These are just some of the reasons virtual dissection is a critical option in the classroom.
Addressing safety considerations with virtual labs
Virtual frog dissection labs have other advantages as well. Even with clear safety instructions and guidance, there are real concerns about accidental cuts from sharp scalpels, infections, and even exposure to preservation fluid. Virtual labs address these concerns by providing a safe, controlled environment for learning. They can serve as a complete alternative to physical dissections or as preparation for working on real specimens, helping students get familiar with the process and tools.
As one teacher shared in a recent survey of Gizmos users, the Virtual Frog Dissection Gizmo was an excellent supplement when her students’ behavioral challenges made diving into a physical frog dissection feel unsafe.
Try the Virtual Frog Dissection Gizmo
The benefits of using virtual labs for frog dissections
Besides addressing ethical and safety concerns, there are many advantages to using virtual frog dissection labs in your classroom. From saving time and improving costs to fostering a more positive and equitable learning experience for all students, virtual dissections have a place in any STEM classroom.
Cost efficiency - The cost of the actual dissection can often utilize much of the budget for science classes. Virtual dissections can eliminate those costs as well as the need for classroom supplies.
Time efficiency - Virtual labs streamline the dissection process, removing set-up and clean-up time as well as the need for safety procedures. Teachers can spend more time on instruction and deepening student understanding.
Enhanced STEM exploration - For some students, the idea of dissecting a real frog can be a major barrier to engaging in STEM. Virtual dissections remove that barrier, giving them the confidence to stay curious and explore interests in STEM.
Equitable learning outcomes - Surveys show that virtual labs like Gizmos support equitable learning outcomes for diverse student populations, including English Language Learners (ELL), Multilingual Learners (MLL), students with learning disabilities, and students who face behavioral challenges. The ability to work at their own pace, with feedback and interactive elements help students grasp concepts quickly.
- Flexible assignments and personalized learning - Virtual labs like Gizmos allow for high levels of flexibility. Virtual dissections can be assigned as homework or alternate work if students need more time. Customizable activities make it easy to tailor learning to different learning paces and circumstances.
“This year, I was moved from a science classroom to a cart for a push-in. I went from having a lab classroom to having no space. Gizmos were really helpful this year to explain phenomena.” - Gizmos Teacher
Four Teaching Strategies for Virtual Frog Dissections
Ready to bring virtual dissections to your classroom? Discover easy-to-implement student-centered teaching strategies to make the most out of virtual dissections.
Use the virtual dissection as a pre-lab - Even if you plan to complete a physical frog dissection with your students, a virtual frog dissection will familiarize your students with the process, anatomy, and tools in advance. To keep the learning experience positive, always allow students to opt out of the physical dissection if they feel uncomfortable.
Build student vocabulary - Our virtual Frog Dissection Gizmo includes built-in anatomy labels and guided learning to build student vocabulary. Help students enhance their vocabulary skills by asking them to describe their observations and partake in scientific writing assignments.
Support scientific sensemaking - Deepen understanding of dissection by helping students learn the way scientists do – through active experimentation, exploration, and hands-on inquiry. Encourage conceptual understanding by prompting students to make connections between organ structures and functions. Ask questions to help them draw conclusions and explain relationships between different areas of frog anatomy.
Utilize student and teacher resources - Every Gizmo includes extensive teaching resources and customizable student resources to support lesson planning. From teacher guides to warm-up activities, guided investigations, and vocabulary lists, you have what you need to create engaging frog dissection lessons.
Enhancing education with the Gizmos virtual frog dissection lab
The Frog Dissection Gizmo doesn’t just show students how to dissect a frog. As with other Gizmos, the lesson includes a comprehensive Teacher Guide, Student Exploration Sheets, vocabulary words, and assessments for a thorough investigation. This high-quality instructional material uses scientific sensemaking to ensure students build a deep understanding of internal systems and how they relate to human anatomy.
“Students enjoy ALL the Gizmos. The students particularly enjoyed the Frog Dissection Gizmo. As a teacher, it was the next best option to an actual dissection.” - Gizmos Teacher
Frog Dissection Gizmo
Students dissect realistic male and female frogs using a scalpel, forceps, and pins. They can compare and contrast each frog’s anatomy with the ability to toggle back and forth between the two frogs. Students investigate the organs within each body system and their functions. Organs can be removed and placed into organ system diagrams. Once the dissections are complete, the frog organ systems can be compared. Zooming, rotating, and panning tools are available to examine the frog from any angle.
Virtual dissection is cost-efficient and time-efficient for teachers. They are easily accessible to students. Isn’t it time to try virtual dissection in your classroom?
Frog Dissection Gizmo
The Frog Dissection Gizmo is the perfect option for teaching dissection with a detailed, interactive online science simulation.
How about including ExploreLearning Gizmos in more of your lesson plans? With virtual labs for grades 3-12, we have something for everyone.
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You can share these impactful learning experiences with your students, too. The new interactive Gizmos Investigations are launching in fall 2025! Be the first to know about the product release and learn more about bringing Gizmos Investigations to your classroom.