A dissection is meant to give you, the student, an opportunity to get a first-hand look at how a living thing is put together. It is not a "free day" to cut an organism into tiny pieces. You are expected to follow whatever directions are given.

No animal parts may be taken from the science room.

You will be asked to make drawings of some portions of each of the dissections. The purpose of the drawings is to show how the main structures of the organism relate to each other. Your drawings do not need to be of "art" quality, but they must be neatly done and labeled. Think of a drawing as another way to communicate your experience to others.

Gloves are not furnished for most general biology dissections.

Of the tools pictured above, the scalpel is the least important in biology dissections. Yes, you will need it, but the scissors will be your most useful tool. When you become a world famous surgeon, then you will have the steady hand to wield a diamond-edged scalpel.

DO NOT use the scalpel blade as a prybar. If you twist the thin blade under pressure IT WILL BREAK.

The dissecting pan has a layer of wax, for pinning your animal. The wax is not a medium for you to write messages, draw pictures, or stick the probe needle into!

The probes are used to lift blood vessels and other organs without damage.

NEVER USE WATER to clean up after a dissection. Take your dissecting pan to the trash and wipe ALL remains into the trash. Use paper towels to wipe out the pan and clean off all other equipment.