Animal Dissection: There Is No Substitute, but There Are Alternatives

Many teachers believe that dissection provides students with an opportunity to learn the internal structures of animals more effectively than other methods. Indeed, the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) states, "The NABT acknowledges that no alternative can substitute for the actual experience of dissection or other use of animals and urges teachers to be aware of the limitations of alternatives." However, we realize that there are circumstances when teachers need to consider creative alternatives to dissection, despite the limitations they present.

For decades, Carolina has been well-known for providing educators with high-quality preserved specimens for dissection. But seeing the need, we also offer a variety of alternatives to dissection that include books, computer programs, models, and biological display mounts. Among these is a unique, proprietary Carolina product line called Plastomounts. Plastomounts are whole or professionally dissected specimens preserved in crystal clear, durable polyester resin.

Plastomounts make an excellent alternative to dissection because:

• They feature professionally dissected specimens, showing all major internal structures. Structures are numbered and identified with a printed key.
• They allow students to "look inside without going inside."
• They are reusable; students can use the same specimen for years.
• They are crystal clear, allowing students to view specimens from any angle.

Plastomounts are also great teaching aids and attention-grabbing lab displays. Venomous organisms such as the Portuguese Man of War can be safely handled and studied in extraordinary detail as Plastomounts. The entire silkworm life cycle can be seen in a beautiful Plastomount measuring just 2.5 × 6.5 inches. And Plastomounts make ideal guides for students actually performing dissections, providing 3-D models for them to follow. While there is no substitute for dissection, there are a variety of alternatives. And as we have seen, Plastomounts provide an excellent one.

• Explore our entire line of Plastomount specimens
• Explore our entire line of preserved organisms