Lamb Dissection

September 27, 2019

Academics

GNS

Students from Ms. Stark and Mrs. Wallace’s Grade 5 classes had a hands-on lesson as they investigated body systems by dissecting a lamb to see the heart and lungs.

The students, who are in their “who we are” unit of inquiry, are learning how human body systems are interconnected and contribute to health.

“What we have done today really speaks to what we do in the PYP, it’s a really rich way of learning, and it’s very experiential,” says Mrs. Wallace. “I think that’s why it’s so fun to teach and so fun to learn. It’s a fabulous experience for the kids because they totally understand now how the trachea functions differently to the heart, to the lungs because they have felt it and seen it. It’s so much more powerful than doing it from a textbook.”

Looking on inquisitively throughout the morning, the students embraced the valuable learning experience.

“I think this is a really cool experience,” says Grade 5 student Jasmine Wei. “You get to learn by different methods, not just learning by seeing things on the board — you actually get to experience it.”

Ms. Vallance, Co-Head of Science at Pemberton Woods campus, helped out by bringing some extra equipment, like microscopes.

“The students get to see the faces that they are going to see next year and have that crossover. To have this collaboration is really important – there’s a seamlessness to it,” explains Ms. Stark. Other specialists have also come to talk to the Grade 5s about certain body systems – most recently including a dentist, who talked to the students about oral health and the heart. PHOTO GALLERY