Rat Dissection 

The Year 11 Biology students undertook rat dissection on 7 September. The learning that occurs courtesy of a dissection is vastly different from that which occurs in a typical lesson. Dissection gives the students first-hand experience in seeing the subject matter. Such a hands-on learning environment can impart an appreciation and understanding of anatomy, unparalleled by second-hand teaching techniques. 

Many students find it much easier to learn when carrying out physical activities, and this helps them to more fully engage with the subject matter being studied. Hands-on dissection allows students to see, touch and explore the various organs of the digestive and other systems. Seeing organs in vivo and understanding how they work within a single animal may strengthen students’ comprehension of biological systems. When applied to their own bodies, this may then translate to a greater understanding of human biology. 

Dr Phil bergen

Biology Teacher