TeachKind Science’s Guide to Animal-Free Teaching Tools

Animal dissection has no place in the modern classroom. As educators around the world aim to be more trauma-informed, humane, and effective, they’re exploring new ways to teach anatomy and physiology—without harming animals. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite animal-free teaching tools for dissection. We’ve got humane options to replace a variety of animals, including frogs, pigs, cats, sea animals, and rats.

These modern tools eliminate the need to harm anyone, aligning with ethical standards and reducing student discomfort. Virtual and synthetic models can be used multiple times, enhancing learning and allowing for mistakes. Many of them are also more affordable over time since they don’t involve the recurring costs of acquiring and disposing of animal cadavers. Furthermore, interactive and immersive technologies often engage students more deeply, fostering a better understanding of complex anatomical structures and systems. And because they don’t use chemicals that can harm students or tear animals away from their homes in nature, which can damage ecosystems, these superior resources are a win for students, animals, and the environment.

Adopting humane, innovative alternatives to animal dissection allows educators to provide students with high-quality, compassionate lessons that also benefit animals and the planet. Embracing these tools fosters a more ethical approach to science education and prepares students for the future with cutting-edge technology and humane practices. Check out and bookmark our list of suggested resources!

Cat Resources 🐈

• Cat Explorer by Ultraleap
• CopyCat Feline Anatomy Model by SynDaver
• Digital Dissection: Cat by Norecopa
• eMind Cat by Expandable Mind Software

Chick Life-Cycle Resources 🐣

• Chick It Out by PEACE Humane
• Chick Life Cycle Exploration Set by Learning Resources

Frog Resources 🐸

• 4D Vision Poison Dart Frog Anatomy Model by Famemaster
• Edmentum AR Biology
• eMind Frog by Expandable Mind Software
• Frog Anatomy Skeleton Model Simulated 4D Dissection Kit by JUJNE
• Frog Dissection by Gizmos
• Frog Dissection by GP Strategies Corporation
• Frog Dissection 3-D Paper Model by Getting Nerdy
• Frog Dissection Model by EISCO Labs
• Froggipedia by Embibe
• Glow-in-the-Dark Frog Dissection Lab by National Geographic
• Life Cycle of a Frog Plastic Model by Safari Ltd.
• Medical Gizmos by ExploreLearning

Pig Resources 🐖

• eMind Pig by Expandable Mind Software
• Pig Dissection 3-D Paper Model by Getting Nerdy

Rat Resources 🐀

• Rat Anatomy Model by VERIMP
• Rat Dissection by Avidia Labs
• Rat Dissection 3-D Paper Model by Getting Nerdy

Sea Life Resources 🐟

• 3D Fish Dissection Model by EISCO
• Aquatic Dissection Bundle by Getting Nerdy
• eMind Fish by Expandable Mind Software
• eMind Invertebrate by Expandable Mind Software

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Forensics Resources 💉

• Blood Typing Lab by ACCESS Virtual Learning
• Deluxe Casualty Simulation Kit by 3B Scientific
• Forensic Science Wound Package by Simulaids
• Virtual Autopsy by the Australian Museum

Human Organ Resources 🧠

• 6X Enlarged Human Eye Anatomical Model by XINDAM
• Anatomy 3D: Human Anatomy, Animal, Plant, Insect by DigiGalaxy
• Budget Functional Francis Torso Model by Universal Medical
• Cross Section Foam Brain Model by Merhoff & Larkin
• Human Heart Model by QWORK
• Kidney Model by Amosfun
• Merge Cube by Merge Labs
• Visible Body Software

Miscellaneous 💀

• Anatomy 3D: Human Anatomy, Animal, Plant, Insect by DigiGalaxy
• Bones, Clones, Inc.
• Cardiology Virtual Lab by BioInteractive
• Edmentum AR Biology
• High School Anatomy by Pocket Anatomy
• Interactive Anatomy Models by Biosphera
• McGraw Hill’s Anatomy & Physiology Revealed
• Medical Gizmos by ExploreLearning
• Veterinary Gizmos by ExploreLearning
• Who Are You Callling Chicken? Chicken Wing Dissection Alternative by The Menker Space on TPT

Interested in trying out humane dissection this school year? Click here for more information on our free pilot program.