You recently completed a grasshopper dissection in science. Now it is time to think about what you observed, what you found interesting, and what you would like to investigate next.
A dissection is more than just looking inside an organism. It gives you a chance to see how different body structures are organized and how they help an organism survive.
Use the questions below to reflect on your grasshopper dissection experience.
Think Back to the Grasshopper Dissection
1. What did you like most about the grasshopper dissection?
Think about the entire experience.
What part did you enjoy the most?
Explain your answer in complete sentences.
2. What was the most interesting thing you observed?
Think about the structures you saw during the dissection.
You might describe:
- A body part
- An internal organ
- Something that looked different than you expected
- A structure you had never seen before
Explain what made it interesting to you.
3. What surprised you?
Describe one thing you saw or learned during the grasshopper dissection that you did not expect.
What Should We Dissect Next?
Now you get to help decide what we could investigate in a future science lab.
Read about each possible specimen before choosing.
Sheep Eye
A sheep eye dissection would give you a chance to investigate how an eye works.
You may be able to observe structures such as the:
- Cornea
- Lens
- Retina
- Optic nerve
Think about how different these structures must work together for an animal to see.
Crayfish
A crayfish is an arthropod, just like a grasshopper.
Both have an exoskeleton, but they live in very different environments.
During a crayfish dissection, you may be able to investigate:
- Gills
- Stomach
- Digestive organs
- Muscles
- Appendages
This would give you a chance to compare the anatomy of two different arthropods.
Freshwater Clam
A freshwater clam is a mollusk.
Its body is very different from both a grasshopper and a crayfish.
During a clam dissection, you may be able to observe structures such as the:
- Gills
- Mantle
- Foot
- Muscles
- Digestive organs
This would give you a chance to investigate an animal with a completely different body structure.
Your Choice
Respond in the Comments
Post your answers to the questions in the comment section.
Your response should:
- Answer all six questions.
- Use complete sentences.
- Include specific details from the grasshopper dissection.
- Explain why you chose your next specimen.
- Include at least one thing you would like to learn during the next dissection.
Before you submit your response, reread it and make sure another person can clearly understand your ideas.
When you’re finished, check out the rest of our blog for more tips, ideas, and activities to help you learn and grow. Be sure to follow our classroom Instagram page for behind-the-scenes moments, project highlights, and fun updates. Let’s work together to make learning fun, exciting, and something you look forward to every day!
