How to Dissect a Frog for a Science Project
Dissection is a hands-on way to learn about the internal organs of the body. If you've been studying the body in class and need to do a science project, dissecting a frog could be a great way to demonstrate your knowledge. Frogs are relatively easy to dissect due to their thin skin and muscle layer, and they contain all the organs you'll need to complete your study of anatomy. To record what you've learned in your dissection, take pictures of each stage of the process, so you can refer back to them as you complete your science project.
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Things You'll Need
- 1 preserved frog
- Dissection tray
- Pins
- Scalpel
- Scissors
- Forceps
- Goggles
- Probes
- Gloves
Instructions
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How to Dissect a Frog for a Science Project
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1
Place the frog in the dissection pan on its back and pin the limbs to the dissection tray.
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2
Using your scalpel, make a vertical incision along the center of the frog, so that it is divided into equal halves. If necessary, use scissors to complete the incision up to the frog's chin.
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3
Use your forceps to lift the skin with one hand, while you carefully cut it away with your scalpel.
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4
Make two horizontal incisions across the frog, running between the front and back legs. This incision should be somewhat deeper than the last, going through the skin and the muscle below it.
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5
Using your forceps and scalpel, remove the skin and pin it to the dissection tray.
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6
Using your scissors, cut upwards through the center of the frog so that you cut through the chest bones but no deeper.
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7
Pull back the muscle flaps with your forceps, so that you can see the internal organs. If any excess flaps of skin are in the way, pin them to the dissection tray.
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8
Examine the frog's anatomy, starting with the heart and liver. Record what you see.
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9
Gently remove the heart and liver using your scalpel and forceps. You will now be able to see the gallbladder, pancreas and lungs.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit dissection kit image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
