Teachers TV: Demonstrating Biology: It Takes Guts

The following programme contains biology experiments using animal organs and requires viewing prior to showing to students.

Dr Nigel Collins at Kings Charles I school wows his Year 9 class when he uses a pig's entrails to demonstrate the digestive system. He explains that once he receives them from the abattoir hygienic handling and storage is of paramount importance. It's a lot of work for lab technician, Kathy Deakin, but it's worth it as the pupils really appreciate the opportunity to see real guts. Before any demonstration Nigel is aware of the sensitivities and religious issues around exposing animal organs and will also reassure his pupils that the animal was not killed for demonstration purposes. Once everything is prepared he shows the digestive system in detail from one end to the other. He enlists the help of some volunteers and also enhances his lesson by using endoscopy images obtained from the Royal Free Hospital in London. Health and safety issues are explained and strictly adhered to at all times. By the end of the lesson there is no doubt the students have been impressed.