Past projects 6
Life Science Dissection Specimens Needed
Funded Dec 26, 2013We just completed our sheep heart and frog dissections. The students were very engaged and interested in the dissections. Many students expressed that they were surprised to see that the sheep heart and the organs in the frog did not look at all like they thought they would look. It was good for them to see the real organs.
Students were able to trace the flow of blood through the heart and correctly label the aorta, valves, atria and ventricles. In the frog, they followed dissection steps and then produced an accurately labeled diagram of the major organs and reproductive structures of the frog. Nearly all of the frogs were females and contained eggs. Some of the frogs had insects inside of the stomach and students enjoyed trying to guess what the frogs had eaten. In all, they had 5 days of dissection in class.
Without your generous support, my students would not have had this hands on opportunity. This experience also gave students a chance to explore what studying in the medical fields might be like. Their local high school has a medical magnet program that they can apply to if they are interested.
Thank you again for giving them this opportunity.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler
This classroom project was brought to life by Disney and one other donor.Sheep Heart Dissection
Funded Dec 31, 2012Last Friday, my students conducted their sheep heart dissections. For all but two students, it was the first time that they had ever dissected anything. They were surprised by the appearance of the heart. They expected it to look very bloody and it was not. One period was so excited that I had some difficulty getting them to settle and we had to finish on a second day. They could not stop talking and asking questions about the heart.
The day before the dissection, we had parent conference day. I had one of the hearts on my conference table and the parents enjoyed discussing the heart with their kids. One of the parents had undergone heart surgery and he took the time to show and explain to his son what was done during the surgery. I was glad that I had a real heart there and that he had that opportunity.
Thank you again for your donation. It was the first time that this school where I am currently assigned has ever used their dissection tools and trays. It would not have been possible without your help.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler
California Science Center Field Trip
Funded Apr 12, 2010Thanks to your generosity, my students had a fantastic experience at the California Science Center in May.
On our way to Los Angeles, our bus drove into fog. I was surprised to learn that many of my students had never been in fog before.They were interested in the new surroundings and had many questions.
At the Science Center, students were able to complete their written assignment in the life science area. I was glad the the trip was late in the year so that they had plenty of background information to help them to understand the exhibits. After having lunch in the rose gardens, they spent a great deal of time in the technology and transportation areas. Virtual reality technology was a big hit with them. It was nice that the Science Center was not nearly as crowded as in previous years.
Unfortunately, one of the buses broke down halfway home. The school district was able to send another bus and the students seemed to enjoy coming back late. Everyone had a great time.
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With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler
Dissection Specimens Needed
Funded Oct 2, 2009I have posted some pictures of our dissections. As you can see by the look on their faces, my students were very interested in dissection and enjoyed the lab work very much. Many of my students asked to photograph the dissection step by step on their cell phones so that they could share their photos with their friends and families.
It has been an unforgettable and challenging experience for my 7th graders! They were very surprised to find out what a heart really looks like and how it functions. They were also amazed at the tiny organs of the frog and how they are so similar to our organs. Students were able to trace the path that food takes through the frog and explain the function of all the organs. They were particularly surprised out how the tongue of the frog attached in the mouth. Most of the frogs were female and they couldn't believe how many eggs a female frog can produce at one time. This lead to a discussion about predators and prey. The frog has to have so many eggs in order to ensure the survival of their species.
This project would not have been possible without your generosity and I thank you again for your contribution.”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler
Frog Dissection Lab For Life Science
Funded Dec 30, 2008I can't tell you enough how excited I am about being able to have our biology dissection labs this year! Thank you so much for making this possible for my students. We should be covering the human body from mid February through the end of April. Frog dissection will be our week long culminating project. Thank you again for your support”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler
Sheep Heart Dissection
Funded Dec 30, 2008Thank you so much for your donation to my science class! The students will be dissecting the sheep heart after they study about the human heart this spring. They will be able to trace the path blood takes while identifying the chambers of the heart, etc. The actual heart specimen will give them an important hands on opportunity and increase their understanding of the heart. Thank you again for helping me to make science come alive for my students”
With gratitude,
Mrs. Pfeiler