Inside the Classroom: Byron Nelson High School - Biology

Inside the Classroom is a series that visits Northwest ISD campuses throughout the year and highlights the magical moments that happen between teachers and students each and every day across the entire 234 square miles of NISD.

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The high school experience is full of traditions. Some are conventional like prom and graduation, but some are unique to their campus. Join us for the final edition of Inside the Classroom as we dive into Shark Week at Byron Nelson High School.

Shark Week takes place in the biology department on the third floor at Byron Nelson where freshmen are testing the waters of shark dissection. Made possible by a Northwest ISD Education Foundation grant, the two-day dissection of sharks is part of a broader lesson rooted in ADI (argument-driven inquiry). 

During the week prior to our visit, students researched sharks in the campus library and also had a virtual visit with a shark biologist. They were led by the guiding question: “What key anatomical features distinguish class Chondrichthyes (cartilaginous fish) from class Osteichthyes (bony fish), and how do these differences affect their survival and evolution?”

Following their days of research, classes had two days of dissection. On the first day they dissected external structures such as eyeballs and fins. On the second day, the day we visited, students dissected the internal organs of the sharks. 

“The shark dissection offers a unique, hands-on opportunity for students to explore both internal and external anatomy,” said Jamie Cerilli, biology teacher and science department chair at Byron Nelson. “It allows them to gather evidence to support their claims and deepen their understanding of evolutionary adaptations.”

We visited during 6th period when five biology classes were in session. Ms. Cerilli and her fellow teachers (Ali Crowe, Kristina Edwards, Sarah Hallin and Aubrey Ortero) all began their class period by greeting students and checking that they were dressed appropriately to enter the lab.

Once class began, each group of three or four students chose who would fill certain roles on their team. From the captain who made the actual cuts and handled the shark to the lead navigator who read directions aloud, each role was vital in ensuring students stayed on task and found the evidence they needed to support their claims.

Before teachers passed out each group’s shark from the previous day, everyone in the room put on the appropriate lab gear, including goggles, an apron and gloves. When groups opened their bags, the pungent smell from the day before came rushing back.

Navigators gave captains instructions on where to cut as groups began to explore the shark’s internal organs. As they dissected, each group’s lead communicator wrote down observations and supporting evidence. Lead communicators were also responsible for taking photos to document their dissection.

While groups worked through their dissections, teachers walked around their labs to visit with each group. They were checking progress and also had “show and tell,” like when Ms. Cerilli showed her students different items found in stomachs in previous classes. 

Throughout all five classrooms, collaboration among group members was at a high level. There were smiles and laughs mixed in with scientific discoveries and observations.

The fun wasn’t just limited to students and teachers. Shark Week is open to the broader Byron Nelson and NISD community with parents and community members volunteering their time to help teachers and students be successful.

The dissections lasted for the remainder of the class period with the final few minutes devoted to clean up. Students then spent the following few days completing their ADI drafts and preparing to present their findings to their class.

The knowledge they gained about the anatomy of a shark may be very specific, but throughout the entire Shark Week lesson, students developed a range of skills, including observation, critical thinking, teamwork and problem-solving. 

Thanks to a crew of dedicated biology teachers and a community that values hands-on opportunities, these freshmen are more prepared for what lies ahead of them for the next three years at Byron Nelson and beyond.

Check back regularly all year as we continue to visit students and teachers throughout Northwest ISD and offer a rarely seen look Inside the Classroom.