PCRM Announces Dissection Alternatives Award Winners

Kara Hairston, a sixth-grader at Belzer Middle School in Indianapolis, Ind., objected to dissecting animals in her science class. Through her own research, Kara found out that the frogs used in her school’s dissections were taken from the wild. She voiced her concerns to her teacher and principal, but she did not stop there. Kara went to the school board with a letter and a presentation, and her school is now planning to purchase nonanimal models to replace all dissection.

Ann Smart has taught biology at Cabrini High School in Covington, La., for 30 years, and her lesson plans always teach students to respect all life. More than 15 years ago, Ann stopped using dissection in her classroom when she realized that not only does dissection promote a disrespect for life, but many students cannot even identify the organs or systems after they dissect an animal. Thanks to Ann, Cabrini High School has completely replaced dissection with nonanimal teaching methods, including videos, diagrams, models, and computer programs.

Both Cut Above Dissection Alternatives award winners will receive $2,000, including $1,000 for the winner and $1,000 for each of their schools. Thank you to all who submitted nominations and to all students and educators who work to replace dissection with nonanimal alternatives. To find out more about dissection and what you can do to help your local schools move to nonanimal teaching methods, please visit DissectionAlternatives.org.