Due to the ongoing pandemic, Madison County 4-H was not able to deliver in-person science, technology, engineering, or mathematics lessons to the local classrooms this year. In response to the restrictions and social distancing guidelines, I decided to offer a dissection series with a live Zoom so we could still participate step by step together. 

The purpose of this series was to: 

-Engage youth in a creative and safe environment

-Help youth learn science through hands on activities while maintaining social distancing

-Provide a place for youth to feel accepted instead of being isolated behind their screens. To feel a part of a group of peers and a caring adult so they will interact and participate

-Learn insect and animal anatomy and functions of body parts

-Learn how the insect or animal impacted the ecosystem and their role in biospheres. 

The 4-H Dissection Series had eighteen participates ages ranging from 9-14. The participants took part in 4 one hour long Zoom sessions. I was able to prepare kits that contained the tools and equipment as well as the specimen we would be dissecting. Each of the sessions introduced a new specimen and they would follow me step by step as we dissected virtually together. Each week the specimen would get a little more complex as the youth learned more about insect or animal anatomy and specific functions. Each week I would provide an informational PowerPoint that described the specimen and its role in the ecosystem. The last part of the Zoom sessions was actual live dissection. Upon the completion of the series 100% of the participants learned how to dissect and all said they would love to do this series again. 100% has an interest in a career in STEM.