My kindergarten grandson told me a few days ago that he was going to get to dissect a frog when he was older. He told me that it was something he had to do because "they don't give you a choice, Bee". I see the older kids are already spreading the news. Boy did this bring back some memories! Animal dissection and forced showers were the two things everyone dreaded about high school back in my day. We had heard horror stories about both scenarios. I think I'll talk about the mean P.E. teachers I had in another blog. Talk about cruel! Back to the squeamish story. I remember the worm the most. Being a skinny kid that didn't like to eat, the visual of the worm's insides remained with me for a very long time. There are certain foods I still can't eat.
Although there are still plenty of students dissecting critters, the computer does offer alternatives for those who just can't bring themselves to cut and view the real deal. Virtual dissecting even comes with three-dimensional technology.
Across the country, more dissections are performed than ever before, according to its advocates and critics. The non-profit Humane Society estimates that about 6 million vertebrate animals are dissected in U.S. high schools alone; the number of dissections of invertebrate animals is probably comparable.
Meanwhile, dozens of kinds of animals are used today, selected to teach different lessons. While frogs remain the most commonly dissected animal, others include dogfish sharks, rats, mice, turtles and snakes, and invertebrates including starfish, earthworms and grasshoppers.
The rise of the animal rights movement has sparked an increase in opposition to the practice, accompanied by a movement to allow students who don't want to participate to be given alternative educational options, said Kathleen Conlee, director of program management for animal research issues at the Humane Society.
Nine states have passed laws requiring schools to grant students alternatives to dissection; four have informal policies that demand the same thing.
The article on the chicagotribune.com called "Dissections alive and well in class" goes on to say that it's now common for elementary and middle school students to have this "hands on" experience. I am sure my grandsons will let me know all about it. Maybe their stories will help me lose some weight.