Comparative Circulatory System 8-Station Kit with Dissection Tools

Working in groups of 4, students investigate various types of circulatory systems as they dissect 4 different specimens and 1 mammalian heart. Students compare and contrast the open circulatory system of the crayfish and the simple closed circulatory system of the earthworm. Closed circulatory systems are explored further as they dissect a squid containing multiple single-chambered hearts, a frog with a single 3-chambered heart, and a pig heart that represents the 4-chambered heart of mammals and birds. The physiology of each circulatory system, along with its advantages and disadvantages, are described and lead to further discussions of evolution and form and function. The student guide provides detailed dissection instructions and labeled illustrations. The 8-station kit is for a class of 32 students working in groups of 4 and includes 8 dissection instrument sets.