The Best Free Online Frog Dissection Labs
Back in "my day" there was no such thing as "virtual labs," much less "virtual dissections." Like it or not, grossed out or engaged, we all had to suffer through the process (and smells, ugh!).
However, after my oldest completed an online conceptual physics lab, I realized that technology has far surpassed my expectations. And then I started exploring digital options for my youngest who has a "sensitive stomach" when it comes to hard science.
Some educators might disagree with me, saying that queasiness isn't an excuse for skipping a hands-on dissection lab. But there are many reasons why schools and homeschools have stopped performing the "classic" frog dissection. Labs are expensive. There is also the question, "Is it humane?" This question is especially pertinent now that there are comparable alternatives.
Arguably, there are online/digital programs and tools that provide an even better environment and educational experience. How can an online program provide a better learning environment than a hands-on lab?
Digital images are often higher quality. Sometimes they can be zoomed in on. Mistakes in online labs can be "redone." No second guessing which organ is what. Clear labels. No mess. Less or no cost.
No mess, no smells, no "gross," frog dissection labs.
Each tool will have strengths and weaknesses. Some are incredibly realistic while others come with built-in quizzes. Here is a list of some great online tools for virtual frog dissection. If you know, or use, another tool we missed, please comment below and we'll add it!
Virtual Lab from McGraw-Hill
This is a step-by-step narrated audio and video program. I like that you can break the steps up over multiple days. Students will see a mix of real video footage and images. There are interactive features that teach students how to make the actual incisions. This process can be repeated multiple times. No need to worry about mistakes! Although the explanations are solid, the interactive features are definitely lacking.
Students receive comprehensive explanations and analysis of the following systems:
- digestive
- respiratory
- circulatory
- reproductive
- excretory
- nervous
- muscular
- skeletal
A very precise and realistic dissection tool?
For the kinesthetic and hands-on learners that won't appreciate the McGraw-Hill interface, there are more challenging and precise tools available. However, they aren't usually free.
We've heard a number of people recommend Froguts as the most precise (at times, tedious and annoying). However, Froguts isn't free for homeschoolers. You can try out the demo here and the App.
Two additional free sites to test out are:
Paid websites
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