Apologia Biology Dissections

The dissections are optional in the Apologia Bio course.  Our Co-op elected to do dissections.  I decided.  Personally, it helps kids see the similarities between organisms when we do comparative morphology.  We're doing the series now at my house to ensure the girls get through all of the dissections.  I have several Zoology lab manuals, a photo atlas, and several dissection guides, supplemented with online images. Take and save screen shots of internal anatomy.  Apologia's and Home Science Tools are both fine.  The problem lies with the fact the specimen never resemble the diagrams; each picture has different details and information.  Consequently, I pull out six or seven references in addition to the iPads.  Here are a few photos.  I ordered a specimen set from Amazon.  The girls dissected the worm, clam, and grasshopper this morning. I have detailed questions in the packets for the crayfish, perch, and frog.  We plan to do these three specimens after Easter.  I have two dissection trays and three tool kits.  I bid on sets through eBay and shopgoodwill.  Amazon and Home Science Tools both carry sets at good prices.  Disposable plates, pins, and a sharp pair of scissors will work, too.  Have several toothpicks to use to probe or tease apart tissue.  Be sure to supervise.  It's not dangerous; the kids have a tendency to gloss over the details, which is why packets are so useful.  The class has to read and look carefully at each specimen as they work.  Get cracking!