Students in Mrs. Sydney Batty’s 6th-hour Molecular and Structural Biology class dissected lamb kidneys on Feb. 19 as part of their unit on the urinary system. The hands-on lab allowed students to explore kidney structures up close, reinforcing concepts studied in class.

“In Biology,” Batty said, “we talk about a lot of microscopic things—cells, DNA—so this makes it real,” Batty said. “It’s always better when you can hold it in your hand and explore.”

Student reactions varied from excitement to unease, with Lauren Corrington saying she was “grossed out” by the experience, but it could be worse—saying it’s “good to know it’s not a human kidney.”

The lab is one of several dissections in the course, funded through the Science department’s budget. Later this semester, students will dissect hearts as they transition to the cardiovascular system.

Gallery • 6 Photos

Lyra Townsend

For Beatrix Alvarez, the process was “ exciting. It's so interesting, just like looking at the different parts of [the kidney].”