Who could forget the first time they took a scalpel to a frog? For many, this moment marks a significant milestone in their middle or high school experience—a tradition that has remained largely unchanged since its introduction in the 1920s. However, J.W. Mitchell High School in New Port Richey, Florida, is breaking the mold by becoming the first school globally to utilize synthetic frogs for dissections.
Students at J.W. Mitchell are now engaging with SynFrogs, anatomically accurate synthetic replicas that allow learners to explore organ systems without the ethical dilemmas and hazards associated with using real animals. Gone are the days of dissecting formaldehyde-soaked frogs; instead, students are equipped with realistic, removable organs and a frog that feels authentic to the touch. The synthetic models are designed with such precision that they even replicate the pressure needed to cut through the frog’s breastbone.
“The SynFrog is crafted from cutting-edge SynTissue, a collection of synthetic wet tissues that closely resemble the appearance and texture of genuine biological tissues,” explains the product description. “It accurately depicts a live female frog, complete with realistic skin, organs, and a reproductive system filled with eggs.”
Senior student Alex Martinez shared his thoughts on the new dissection method: “When you bring these synthetic frogs into the actual classroom, nobody is going to be off-put by the fact that it was alive because it’s synthetic. This helps to remove some barriers for students who might feel uncomfortable.”
Developed by SynDaver, a Tampa-based company, the synthetic frogs cost about $150 each. Principal Lisa Hartman and her team collaborated with SynDaver to create these innovative tools, which are then recycled after use. Previously, the school purchased between 200 and 300 real frogs annually, contributing to the millions of amphibians killed each year for educational purposes, as highlighted by PETA.
“Once students have completed their dissections, we collect the frogs and send them back to SynDaver. They recycle them into new models,” Hartman explains.
This initiative has garnered positive reactions both inside and outside the school. “I think it’s a fantastic idea. While real animal dissections have their place in medical education, they’re unnecessary for high school students,” commented Emma Lewis on Facebook. Positive feedback has also flooded in on Twitter.
SynDaver is not stopping at frogs; they also offer synthetic models for dogs, cats, and other animals. “With SynFrog, there’s no longer any need to harm living creatures for the sake of education,” the company emphasizes.
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In summary, J.W. Mitchell High School is leading the way in educational innovation by adopting synthetic frogs for dissection, allowing students to learn anatomy without the ethical concerns or hazards associated with real animals. This approach not only enhances the learning experience but also promotes a more humane method of education.
Keyphrase: Synthetic frogs for dissection
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