05/21/2026
In one middle school classroom in Chicago, frog dissection didn’t just get replaced. It was never on the table to begin with.
At Skinner North Classical School, 7th and 8th grade teacher Kristen Maier used the NAVS BioLEAP Classroom Grant to bring in hands-on frog models for her 53 students, creating a completely animal-free learning experience. As Kristen shared, she “wouldn’t do any dissection except the alternative,” ensuring that no animals were used while still giving students a meaningful way to explore anatomy.
Using physical frog models, students engaged directly with the material in a way that removed common barriers associated with dissection. Kristen noted that the models made learning more accessible “without smell, chemicals, ethical concerns, and squeamishness,” helping more students feel comfortable participating.
What stood out most was how invested students became in the experience. Kristen shared that she was surprised by “how easy it was to do and to teach, as well as how involved the kids were,” with one student even calling it their favorite lab of the year.
This is what humane science education can look like, where curiosity isn’t limited by discomfort, and learning doesn’t come at the expense of animals.
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