09 September 2025
Our Year 11 Biology students concluded their Term 3 studies of Multicellular Organisms with a hands-on investigation: a rat dissection. This practical activity gave students the opportunity to bring together the knowledge they had gained from earlier dissections of the lungs, heart, kidneys and small intestine.
Working carefully, students began by removing the fur and skin layers before dissecting through the muscle to access the internal organs. They then located and removed the four lobes of the liver, followed by the heart and lungs. A highlight of the dissection was the challenge of unravelling the entire digestive tract – from mouth to anus – without making a single cut. To finish, students carefully extracted the kidneys and brain.
This experience gave students the chance to observe the major organs in their interconnected form, helping them see how body systems work together rather than in isolation. It was a valuable way to consolidate their learning and to build the practical skills that are such an important part of senior Biology.
Mr John Wright
Biology Coordinator
Student Reflections:
The rat dissection allowed us to visualise the digestive system and explore crucial organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. By working effectively in pairs and attempting to keep the whole digestive system intact, we were able to connect what we had learned in class to real-life anatomy.
Harry Clark
The rat dissection helped me visually see how the body systems we have been studying in class work together and function.
Hugo Browne
The rat dissection was an insightful practical that further aided me in building my understanding of the topic. It was also a unique experience for the students.
Alexander Chan
