Sponge Dissection (3-D Paper Dissection Model)

The Sponge Dissection (3-D Paper Dissection Model) introduces students to the simplest of all animals (Porifera), through a 3-D paper anatomy lesson that’s humane, hands-on, and fascinating. Formerly a longtime favorite of the Getting Nerdy collection, now part of the Inside Out Science lineup. Suitable for exploring invertebrate anatomy, cell organization, and body structure, this model helps students understand how even the most basic animals demonstrate function, adaptation, and efficiency in nature.

This sponge dissection model lesson includes a student-friendly reading that covers in-depth anatomy and physiology, black-line and color templates for differentiation, and a step-by-step PowerPoint presentation that walks students through coloring, cutting, and assembling their true-to-life 3-D sponge model they can “dissect” again and again. Created to mimic a real dissection, this Scienstructable paper model can be used as a dissection-free exploration, a pre-lab preparation activity, or a summative assessment for comparative anatomy and classification lessons. Teachers value using it to introduce multicellular organization and filter feeding, while students who opt out of traditional dissections appreciate its clean, creative, and compassionate design.

All Inside Out Science models maintain a consistent organ color system and include templates for both sexes (where applicable), helping students visualize anatomical relationships and connect structure and function across species, from sponge to human. Eco-friendly, reusable, and engaging, this Sponge Dissection Model proves that even the simplest organisms can inspire the deepest learning—one pore at a time. 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 2-3 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
→ Sponge 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, Crayfish, Snake, Rat, Cat, Bird, Fetal Pig, Lamprey, Frog & Eye.

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

SKU: 00040
$11.95