At Mandan Middle School in North Dakota, a hands‑on science program is giving students a unique opportunity to study the anatomy of deer they have personally harvested with family and friends. Science teacher Jackson Long oversees the effort, which combines practical field experience with classroom learning.
Voluntary participation, strong community pride
Long emphasizes that the dissection activity is completely voluntary, yet most students eagerly sign up. “They take great pride in providing the specimens they hunted with their families,” he said. “Then they get to share that wealth of a resource, of hearts or eyeballs here, so those kids feel valuable for their hunting experience back in the science classroom.”
Learning about wildlife health
While the students examine the deer parts, the class also discusses chronic wasting disease and epizootic hemorrhagic disease, two illnesses currently affecting the region’s deer population. Understanding these diseases helps students grasp the broader ecological impact of wildlife health on the local ecosystem.
Connecting tradition and education
The program reflects a long‑standing hunting tradition in North Dakota, where many families pass down the practice of responsible game harvesting. By bringing that tradition into the science lab, the school reinforces the values of stewardship, responsibility, and respect for nature that are central to many families in the area.
Benefits for students and families
Beyond the scientific knowledge gained, the activity strengthens bonds between students and their families. Parents and grandparents who hunt alongside their children see the educational value of their outings, while students gain confidence in applying real‑world experiences to academic subjects.
Looking ahead
Long plans to continue the program in future semesters, inviting more students to participate and expanding discussions to include wildlife management and conservation practices. The school hopes the initiative will inspire a new generation of informed, responsible hunters and scientists.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
