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From Soil to Squid: Grade 5’s Hands-On Journey into Plant and Animal Structures

By Joanne Michael and Dana Uppal
A combination of excited squeals and less-than-excited moans filled the air during the Grade 5 inSTED squid dissection in mid-November. As part of the “Plant and Animal Structures” unit, JTD scientists spent time digging deep into the structure and function of the living things around us. 
Grade 5's educational journey into plant and animal structure actually began in October, when Upper School inSTED teachers Mrs. Michael and Mrs. Uppal brought the MAC rooftop garden back to life. Each week, Grade 5 advisories have dedicated one day to planting, watering, and harvesting their vegetables, flowers, and herbs. Physically placing their hands in the damp soil allowed students to experience firsthand why plants need water at their roots rather than on their leaves, why flowers droop toward the soil at the end of their life, and how to recognize when radishes are ready for harvest, providing them with real-life examples and tangible connections to their learning.

Fast forward to early November, the in-class learning of the structures began. Students were informed they would be dissecting an animal at the end of the week and then learned the importance of respecting animals, recognizing that they are not merely tools for education but living beings deserving of care and consideration, even in an educational setting. Immediately captivated, our young scholars were determined to learn as much as they could to be ready for the dissection. A grape tomato and succulent leaf were appropriate models for learning about the structure of plants, as well as great practice for using tweezers and plastic knives appropriately, teaching children to work delicately but intentionally. This activity also helped students develop collaboration skills, as they learned how to take turns while staying engaged in the task.

As the date of the squid dissection drew closer, learners became aware of the specific animal they would be dissecting (to prevent additional anxiety, the type of animal had not been previously disclosed). Students arrived to the inSTED classroom with varying levels of enthusiasm–some bounding in eagerly, some slinking and nervously looking around at their peers. After some background about the taxonomy of the squid, safety procedures, and a discussion with their partners about their comfort levels (allowing everyone to be clear about their intended level of interaction), the dissection started. Mrs. Michael and Mrs. Uppal worked together in a seamless co-teaching approach during the lesson, actively guiding students through each step. Mrs. Michael facilitated the dissection, while Mrs. Uppal provided crucial support in helping students understand the instructions, offering guidance on delicate cuts, and assisting them as they explored the fascinating structures and unique anatomy of these remarkable marine creatures. 

All too soon, the class session drew to an end. After the teachers gave specific directions on properly disposing of specimens and gloves and putting the instruments away for sanitation, students left with memories of new educational experiences and the scent of the ocean as the door closed behind them.

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The John Thomas Dye School


11414 Chalon Road
Los Angeles, CA 90049
Phone: (310) 476-2811
The John Thomas Dye School admits students of any race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.

Located In Los Angeles, CA, John Thomas Dye is an independent school for grades K-6. Students benefit from a challenging academic program, fine arts, competitive athletics, and a wide selection of extracurricular activities.