Tools for Teachers

Science teachers are 'wowed' by computer technology for dissection lessons

Science teachers from across New England annually attend the Massachusetts Association of Science Teachers Convention, one of the largest conventions of its kind in the region. More than 500 people attend workshops, exhibits, and lectures. The Ethical Science and Education Coalition (ESEC) also attends each year and offers hands-on training in the latest computer dissection simulation programs and makes a compelling case for humane, ethical alternatives to specimen dissection.

In one three-hour seminar, ESEC focused on issues surrounding dissection and provided MA teachers Professional Development Points (PDP) toward their state certification requirements. Topics included why students object to dissection, why alternatives are viable educational tools, and how to integrate this new technology into existing curricula.

The response was clear: teachers were impressed with the available technology and the ease of integrating it into their existing curricula. "I am impressed. I want to learn more!" stated one participant. "[F]un...WOW!...fantastic images... I am more impressed with [dissection alternatives'] capability to instruct well...[ESEC] showed that there are ways to accomplish goals of curricula [with alternatives]."

ESEC is working to help make these alternatives available by donating dissection alternatives to schools through pilot programs and by offering alternatives on a loan basis through its Resource Room.

"In high school, I was forced to dissect fetal pigs, frogs and cats. This in no way contributed to my future career as a veterinarian; and, in fact, nearly derailed my dreams." (Read more)
—Lorna Grande, DVM

"I am fortunate to practice a profession which gives me enormous pleasure, intellectual challenge, and even spiritual fulfillment. However, the path to gaining my credentials was laced with episodes that I found ethically disturbing and very sad." (Read more)
—Holly Cheever, DVM

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