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DO's
1.
Keep preserved specimens out of hot areas,
away from direct sunlight.
2.
When ordering, specify a date for arrival -
that way we can ship you the specimen for when you really need it. While
standard preserved specimens are guaranteed for one year, this will give you
a "fresher" specimen if we have a date as to when you want it
shipped.
3.
If your specimen is to be studied for over a
week, spray your specimen with a solution such as Nebanol
to keep it moist (but don't use water- see below!) Nebanol
is available in 2 sizes.
4.
Use the specimen within one year. While they
will probably last much longer, this will give you the best looking
dissection.
5.
Proper disposal of preserved specimens varies
from state to state - even from county to county. Preserved specimens have
about 3-5% formaldehyde at time of preservation. Check with your local
authorities for your area.
6.
Use proper safety when dissecting - this
includes gloves, aprons, etc.
7.
Do use supplemental materials to encourage
learning of the dissection. We offer dissection videos, DVD's, CD-ROMS,
charts, books, and more.
8.
Do take the time to explain where these
specimens come from. For example, fetal pigs are collected from the uterus of
slaughtered sows. Bullfrogs are collected in the wild for food (frog legs);
those not acceptable for the food industry are preserved.
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DONT's
1.
Don't soak your specimen in water. That will
dilute any preservative in the tissue - and could encourage growth of mold or
bacteria if enough preservative is washed away. If you rinse your specimen
before use make sure you spray it with a "holding" solution such as
Nebanol before putting it away. A holding solution
will keep your specimen soft and will reduce the chances of mold &
bacteria growing.
2.
Don't freeze your specimen - OK to keep in a
refrigerator but do not freeze the critter!
3.
Don't teach your students about
"DIE" "SECTING". Teach "DIS"
"SECTING" Notice that the word "dissecting" has 2 of the
letter "s" (proper pronunciation).
4.
Don't refer to dissection as "icky",
"yucky" - students will quickly pick up on this negative
perception. Present dissection as a professional learning experience.
5.
Don't wait until the last minute to order
preserved specimens. While most items are usually available, external factors
such as weather can often effect supply. Order early and give a requested
ship date for arrival.
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