Animal dissection is a classroom activity that hasn’t changed in a century, resulting in millions of animals being killed for dissection annually and cheating students out of quality educational experiences that come with current animal-free anatomy tools. There’s no educational value in making students cut into animals’ corpses, but the many benefits of humane, non-animal instruction—such as digital dissection—are well documented. Dozens of peer-reviewed studies show that dissecting animals is bad science, whereas when students use modern methods, they learn faster and are able to repeat material until they’re proficient. Studies also show that students prefer using humane alternatives such as interactive simulations and anatomical models. Not only does non-animal methods save animals from being killed and used for dissection but also provides an inclusive learning atmosphere for all students. Educational standards recognize this and do not require animal dissection or even mention it in the NGSS, International Baccalaureate, or AP curricula.

Having children cut an animal open—a misguided but sometimes sanctioned classroom activity—teaches them that living beings are disposable and downplays the fact that they were once alive and, in most cases, killed exclusively for these exercises. This is a harmful lesson, especially considering the increase that we’re currently seeing in incidents of cruelty to animals perpetrated by juveniles and an epidemic of school bullying.

In addition to the dangers of desensitizing students to the suffering of living beings, animal dissection often exposes them to harmful chemicals, such as formaldehyde and formalin. Formaldehyde is used as a preservative and is also found in cigarette smoke—it’s classified as a human carcinogen, and repeated exposure to low levels may cause respiratory difficulty, eczema, and skin sensitization.

In the 21st century, there are endless animal-free options to increase learning comprehension and keep students engaged! Virtual dissection simulations with extra lab features, augmented reality technology, and hands-on dissectible models like Kind Frog give students a memorable experience to learn about anatomy without harming animals! Students can now have multiple attempts with dissection simulations, explore labs that go beyond a classroom setting, and have something to study with all throughout the school year!

Educators can receive non-animal dissection resources like Kind Frog at no cost with TeachKind Science’s pilot program. Inquire about TeachKind’s pilot program here to see if you or your school would qualify.

TeachKind Science traveled across the country to teacher conferences to share Kind Frog, our latest hands-on tool that’s revolutionizing the dissection experience! Teachers are loving the Kind Frog’s ability to mimic a hands-on dissection with its accurate coloration and inclusivity to all students but without the toxic chemicals involved with an animal dissection.  Watch teachers’ reactions to Kind Frog and what they had to say about it below!