Under the direction of Ms. Bolio and Mrs. Redondo Kiosk show and copy by: Tara van den Akker

When you think of students dissecting a marine animal, what grade do you guess is doing it? Most of you would say middle school or even high school. However, our 3 rd graders rose to the challenge and did just that. Under the direction of Ms. Bolio and Mrs. Redondo, two classrooms of 3 rd grade students learned all about the Squid, and took it apart!

The Dissection took place in our Richardson School Cafeteria. We made use of the Projector, Screen, Document Camera, as well as the Audio System. Our Custodial Staff and Administrative team helped everything come together. Mrs. van den Akker became the staff photographer for the event. Ms. Bolio secured the squid specimens we used for the dissection. Yummy!

The Students came down and put on their protective gear- Lab clothes protection, gloves, and goggles were all available as needed. Students had a tray with the various tools they would need to complete the task. Our staff were ready to rock and roll as well!

Our Teachers had a firm procedure and game plan in place. Following Scientific method, they were prepared to help our students discover through the scientific method. Students had basic worksheets to keep notes and record observations.

Soon enough, the squid were handed out. Students were able to make visual and tactile examinations, fill out their observation sheets, and make predictions about what they would find as the dissection progressed. Reactions varied, but excitement carried the day!

Ms. Bolio, our Squid Expert, got things rolling. She reviewed some notable features they should have given attention to during their observations, then had them remove the Spine, or pen. They later used this to write with the squids’ ink! Our students were able to quickly succeed in this first part of the Dissection.

Next, the students cut up the Mantle of the squid and separated it, exposing it’s inner organs to a visual examination. The students figured out if their specimen was male or female. See the difference? Lady squids have a clear section up top. Gentlemen squid are a solid color clear through.

One of the students favorite parts came next. They found the ink sac, punctured it, and used the pen (the spine) to write with the ink. Students speculated about if people ever harvested squid ink to write with. Do you know the answer to that question?

Students were guided through the rest of the squid. They identified gills, mouth, tentacles, and more. They filled out their diagrams with a drawing and label. They helped clean up the space before we left. We are so proud of how well our 3 rd graders handled their 1 st dissection!

As always, a large amount of people are owed our thanks for making this all possible. This list includes but is not limited to: Richardson Administrative Team Ms. Bolio and Mrs. Redondo 3 rd grade students Custodial staff Mrs. Mazzeo and Mrs. Bianco Mrs. van den Akker