Our project aims to bring hands-on learning to life through classroom dissection labs that explore animal anatomy and biological systems. By providing students with the tools and materials needed for guided dissections, we will deepen their understanding of animal science and foster curiosity about careers in veterinary medicine, biology, and agriculture. These interactive experiences will enhance science education by connecting textbook knowledge with real-world applications in a memorable, engaging way.

Our project addresses the urgent need for equitable, hands-on science education experiences in our school’s animal science and life science programs. Currently, our students lack access to dissection labs due to limited funding for supplies, which significantly limits their exposure to real-world biological concepts and careers in science. This absence particularly impacts students interested in veterinary science, animal health, agriculture, or biology-related fields. Without access to dissection opportunities, many students struggle to visualize and apply anatomical concepts, resulting in lower engagement, reduced retention, and missed career exploration opportunities. Our school serves a diverse and economically disadvantaged population. According to recent demographic data, over 46.4% of our students qualify for free or reduced lunch, and many come from rural or agricultural communities where practical animal science skills could directly translate into future employment or postsecondary study. In a recent student interest survey conducted by our science department, over 75% of students indicated a strong interest in participating in animal dissection labs, and 63% expressed interest in pursuing careers in veterinary or animal science fields. However, 0% reported ever having participated in a real dissection, pointing to a significant gap between student interest and opportunity. 
Academically, we have observed that hands-on learning leads to higher comprehension and retention of material. Data from past interactive labs (e.g., plant and human body systems models) show that students involved in hands-on activities scored 15–20% higher on assessments than peers who only engaged with textbook content. Dissection labs would extend this success into animal science and anatomy. This grant will directly benefit approximately 150–180 middle and high school students annually, giving them access to quality lab experiences and inspiring deeper interest in science. With support, we can turn passive learning into active discovery and spark long-term interest in animal science careers.

To address the identified need for hands-on science experiences, our project will implement a structured, engaging dissection lab program to support student learning in life science and animal science courses. We will use grant funds to purchase dissection kits, preserved specimens, personal protective equipment (PPE), lab tools, and curriculum-aligned instructional materials. This program will take place in our school’s science lab classrooms and serve an estimated 150–180 middle and high school students annually. By the end of the 2025–2026 academic year, 100% of students enrolled in Life Science and Animal Science courses (estimated 150–180 students) will participate in at least one guided dissection lab, such as a frog, fetal pig, or cow eye, measured through teacher lab rosters and participation tracking. At least 80% of participating students will demonstrate increased content mastery—defined as a minimum 15% increase in post-lab assessment scores compared to pre-lab scores—demonstrating enhanced understanding of anatomy, organ systems, and comparative physiology. Within one academic year of implementation, our science department will develop and integrate a full dissection module—including safety instruction, dissection procedures, reflective analysis, and career connections—into existing Life Science and Animal Science units, to be used annually moving forward. The dissection labs will take place in our school’s animal science classrooms, which are equipped with tables, sinks, and standard lab safety equipment. Grant funds will allow us to purchase dissection specimens (such as frogs, pigs, and sheep organs), disposable tools (scalpels, scissors, gloves, trays), reusable instruments, and safety materials such as goggles and lab aprons. Research consistently supports the effectiveness of hands-on learning in science education. A study published in The American Biology Teacher (Gusukuma et al., 2020) found that students participating in dissection experiences scored significantly higher in assessments and expressed greater interest in STEM careers. In our own school, prior use of physical models and inquiry-based labs resulted in improved test performance and deeper student engagement. 
By integrating dissection labs into the curriculum, we address multiple learning styles and promote active, inquiry-based learning. Students will not only observe real biological structures but will also learn scientific reasoning, lab safety, and ethical consideration of animal use. These skills are essential for students considering careers in veterinary science, biology, agriculture, and healthcare—all growing fields in both our region and the broader workforce. Our long-term vision is to embed dissection labs into our core curriculum annually, training additional staff and developing student-led lab assistant roles to build sustainability. With proper tools and instructional support in place, this program will continue to impact students for years to come, with minimal recurring costs primarily focused on replenishing consumables. 
This grant provides the essential launchpad to bridge the gap between curiosity and capability—empowering students to see science not just as a subject, but as a future.