Everybody will have to touch a slimy green frog at least once in their school biology class. Many people think, though, that dissecting these once-living animals is gross and morally wrong. 

According to ABC News, about three million frogs are killed for these projects annually. Luckily, Florida schools have found a solution: the fake frog. These artificial frogs, created by the company SynDaver, look and feel real. They’re slimy, with skin and organs. You can even feel the delicate bone when you squeeze the leg. But, looks can be deceiving. These fake frogs are made out of water, fiber, and salts, and can even be reused, according to News 8. The frogs are allegedly easier to use for dissection than real frogs, because the delicate tissues won’t dissolve under the students’ touch. The fake frog is also safer to use, since students won’t be exposed to chemicals the frog has been soaked in to preserve natural tissue. 

According to US News, the founder of the company that creates these frogs, Chris Sakezles, said that the plan is to completely replace the use of real animals with “synthetic cadavers.” This solution of the synthetic frog has pleased many students and teachers. Since more students are okay with touching an artificial frog, they are able to learn more without getting grossed out. Dissections are one of the most hands-on experiences with biology that students receive, and being able to include more kids in this learning process is something the entire education system is excited to welcome.