Because the Right Choice Can Make All the Difference Between “Eww” and “Aha!”
If you teach life sciences, you know that hands-on learning can turn an average lesson into something unforgettable. Whether it’s dissecting a frog, observing microorganisms, or analyzing plant life under a microscope, physical interaction helps students connect the dots in a way textbooks just can’t. But here’s the age-old question science educators face: Should I use live specimens or preserved ones in the classroom?
The short answer? It depends. The long answer? Well, that’s what we’re diving into.
At TMBS, we’ve been helping science teachers stock their classrooms with everything from preserved frogs to live organisms and custom kits for decades. So, if you’re torn between the two—or just want to make sure you’re choosing what works best for your students, budget, and learning goals—you’re in the right place.
Why Preserved Specimens Still Rule the Classroom
Preserved specimens have been the go-to in science classrooms for a long time—and with good reason. They’re shelf-stable, easy to store, and perfect for repeated use in different class sections or even over multiple semesters. If you’re teaching anatomy, dissection, or taxonomy, preserved samples provide consistent quality and structure for your students to explore.
At TMBS, we offer a wide selection of preserved specimens that are safe, ethically sourced, and ready for classroom use right out of the box. From amphibians and fish to organs and invertebrates, these are real, tangible samples that let students explore complex biological systems in a way diagrams simply can’t deliver.
Plus, with no need for special permits, refrigeration, or short timelines, preserved specimens offer a level of convenience that’s hard to beat. Many educators find that they’re ideal for busy classrooms where prep time and storage space are in short supply.
When Live Specimens Bring Science to Life (Literally)
Now, that said, there’s something undeniably exciting about live specimens. Watching organisms move, grow, respond to stimuli—it’s a completely different kind of learning. Live specimens help teach concepts like behavior, life cycles, and environmental responses in real time. It’s especially powerful for younger learners or for classes focused on ecology, environmental science, or botany.
We’ve helped schools source live plants, invertebrates, and aquatic life over the years, and we always recommend thinking about the care and conditions required before diving in. Live specimens can require more planning, but they offer a dynamic and interactive experience that really sticks with students.
If you’re ever unsure about how to integrate live organisms into your curriculum—or want help building a lesson plan around them—feel free to contact us. We love helping educators find the best fit for their classroom needs.
What to Consider Before You Choose
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to live vs. preserved. That’s why we always recommend weighing a few key factors:
- Curriculum goals: Are you teaching anatomy and dissection? Preserved is probably your best bet. Covering ecosystems or life cycles? Live organisms can bring those lessons to life.
- Time and logistics: Live specimens need care—sometimes daily. If your schedule’s already packed, preserved might be more practical.
- Budget: While live organisms are usually less expensive per unit, they may not last long enough for repeated use. Preserved specimens have a longer shelf life and can be more cost-effective over time.
- Student age and engagement: Younger students often react more enthusiastically to movement and interaction, while older students may benefit from the structural depth of preserved samples.
- Ethical considerations: Some educators prefer to minimize dissection and opt for live observations or digital alternatives. TMBS is happy to support your classroom philosophy either way.
Mixing It Up for the Best of Both Worlds
Here’s a little secret from experienced educators: you don’t always have to choose one or the other. Many teachers find success by combining both types of specimens in their curriculum. Start with live observations—say, watching earthworms or pond snails—then follow up with a preserved dissection to explore internal anatomy.
This layered approach helps students develop a fuller understanding of both behavior and biology. It also accommodates different learning styles and keeps things fresh (figuratively, not literally—because preserved specimens smell way better when they’re sealed).
You can explore some of our latest specials and kit bundles to find ways to build variety into your lesson plans without breaking the budget.
The TMBS Difference: Helping Teachers Teach Smarter
At the end of the day, we know what it’s like to manage a science lab with a limited budget, a packed schedule, and 30 students staring at you for guidance. That’s why everything we do at TMBS is built around one goal: helping you teach smarter, not harder.
Our shop is stocked with curated supplies specifically for life science and biology classrooms, and our team is always happy to offer support, ideas, or answers when you’re stuck. Whether you need dissection trays, pre-packaged kits, or just someone to confirm you’re not overthinking your next lesson—we’re here.
Still trying to decide between live or preserved specimens? Give us a call at (763) 444-9673 or drop us a message and we’ll help you figure out what makes sense for your curriculum, classroom, and goals.
With TMBS, you’re never on your own—we’re your partner in building a hands-on, high-impact science program your students won’t forget.