Kinneret Day School continues to make science come alive with dynamic, hands-on learning experiences. Led by teacher Leslie Wachtel, fifth grade students recently took their study of the human body to an exciting new level by participating in a fascinating sheep heart dissection.

As part of their exploration of the circulatory system, students had the unique opportunity to examine the heart’s intricate structures, including the atria, ventricles, valves and major blood vessels such as the aorta. Seeing these features up close provided a deeper understanding of how the heart functions to pump blood throughout the body.

What made this experience particularly impactful was having students note the remarkable similarity between a sheep’s heart and a human heart, enabling them to make real-world connections to their own bodies. By comparing the classroom content to this hands-on activity, students were able to bridge textbook knowledge with practical observation, solidifying their grasp of essential biological concepts.

The dissection not only sparked meaningful scientific inquiry but also fostered a sense of wonder about the human body. One student marveled at how much they had learned, stating, “It’s amazing to see how all the parts work together—just like we’ve been reading about.”

Kinneret Day School’s commitment to interactive and experiential learning and activities provide students with immersive educational experiences that inspire critical thinking, curiosity and a lifelong love of science. The students are looking forward to the next project.