Learning and remembering are more effective when we use more of our senses in the process. During the dissection process the brain receives information from the eyes and ears, the muscles in the hands, the touch-sensitive nerves in the fingers, and even the smell receptors inside the nose!
Cambridge IGCSE Biology syllabus helps learners to understand the technological world in which they live, and take an informed interest in science and scientific developments.
Learners gain an understanding of the basic principles of biology through a mix of theoretical and practical studies. They also develop an understanding of the scientific skills essential for further study at Cambridge International A Level, which are useful in everyday life.
As they progress, learners understand how science is studied and practised, and become aware that the results of scientific research can have both good and bad effects on individuals, communities and the environment.
By disecting a pig kidney, our Year 10 IGCSE Biology students could see that no two organs will look exactly alike, and this helps students understand natural variations, and recognise anatomy even if it does not look exactly like the textbook.
It would seem that overly perfect alternatives cannot compete with the biological surprises of real specimens and the learning opportunities they provide. From manipulating sharp instruments to employing delicate hand-eye co-ordination, the reality of physically dissecting a specimen can reinforce theory by including practical knowledge.
