Many of you are probably familiar with animal dissection software in homeschool catalogs that start around $50. However,
there are many excellent programs available for schools that are not affordable for homeschooling families. Most of the
school programs start at $85 and go up to $300. The Center for Homeschool Excellence will using these software
programs for our 9th through 12th graders this year. (Grades 4th through 8th may also be able to utilize these programs
if there is enough interest.)
Most of the software that I have seen so far is unbelievable! All major systems are covered in
appropriate detail including: Skeletal, Musculature, Nervous, Digestive, Circulatory, Respiratory and Reproductive. They are high
quality with the ability to make incisions on the screen with scissor and scalpel. Most use realistic images, detailed
instruction, and workbooks and tests within the program to gauge learning. These are not videos watching someone perform
a dissection. They are hands-on and interactive. (One of the programs has the ability to watch a frog heart beating and
then add nicotine, cocaine, or alcohol to "see" how the substances affect heart rate! Fascinating!)
If you are concerned
about whether alternative methods are as good as actual dissection, the Humane Society reports that "given recent evidence
about the efficacy of alternative methods, not to mention their cost-effectiveness, it's becoming increasingly difficult for school
districts to balk at providing students with options to dissection. In fact, The HSUS has compiled a list of 29 studies that compared
alternative methods against dissections and other animals uses. In 28 of those studies, researchers found that students using alternatives
such as computer simulations performed as well or better than students who conducted traditional dissections." Click here: Comparative
Studies of Dissection and Other Animal Uses
This is not to take away from any Animal Dissection class. This is an alternative
to dissection or a great way to supplement your child's animal dissection coursework. Space is limited in all classes.
