Crayfish Dissection (3-D Dissection Model)

The Crayfish Dissection (3-D Dissection Model) introduces students to arthropod structure and function, this 3-D paper dissection model brings freshwater biology to life in a creative, eco-friendly, and stress-free way. Formerly a classroom favorite from Getting Nerdy, this Crayfish Dissection Model now makes its home at Inside Out Science, where humane, hands-on learning takes center stage. 

It includes a student-friendly reading that explains major organs and systems, color and black-line templates for differentiated learning, and a step-by-step PowerPoint presentation that guides students through coloring, cutting, and assembling their own realistic 3-D crayfish. Students will see exactly where to cut, what to look for, and how each organ connects to the bigger biological picture—no lab prep or cleanup required.

Designed to mimic a real dissection, this Scienstructable paper model works beautifully as a pre-lab prep activity, dissection-free exploration, or comparative anatomy assessment. Teachers value the tool for helping students visualize arthropod systems—like the open circulatory system, exoskeleton, and segmented body plan—while students who opt out of traditional dissections still gain an authentic, tactile learning experience. All Inside Out Science dissection models use a consistent organ color system and include templates for both sexes (where applicable), allowing students to compare internal anatomy across species and make meaningful connections through comparative biology.

Humane, reusable, and richly detailed, this Crayfish Dissection Model helps students grasp invertebrate anatomy in a way that’s clean, kind, and unforgettable. Furthermore, this model adheres to modern Three Rs standards (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement), offering an eco-friendly and scent-free experience that accommodates students opting out of traditional dissections.

Included in this 3-5 day Dissection Lesson: 

• EDITABLE PowerPoint slides with bellwork, instructions, notes and embedded answer key to handouts
• NON-EDITABLE PDF handouts

→ Student-friendly guided reading PDF
→ Differentiated graphic organizers PDF
→ Crayfish Dissection Templates in BLACK LINE AND COLOR
→ Extension questions
→ Answer keys

• GOOGLE DRIVE ACCESS TO THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS

→ PowerPoint slides with bellwork, instructions, notes and embedded answer key to handouts
→ Student-friendly guided reading PDF
→ Differentiated graphic organizers PDF

Students will:

• Learn about the structures of the internal and external anatomy of the frog using the guided reading, color key and graphic organizer.
• Color, cut out and assemble a 3-D Scienstructable paper frog dissection model
• Complete extension questions

Part of a broader Vertebrate Dissection Series, featuring a universal color-coding system for easy comparative anatomy. Please see Eartworm, Grasshopper, Perch, Squid, Sea Star, Shark, Clam, Frog, Snake, Rat, Cat, Bird, Fetal Pig, Lamprey, Eye & Sponge. 

See also a collection of resources on crayfishes in the NORINA database and books related to crayfishes in the Textbase database.

SKU: 00027
$19.95