OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Students at an Omaha high school have been observing a decomposing fetal pig in a forensic science class.

Westside High School science teacher Brenda Zabel currently is teaching a unit that focuses on death, learning about decomposition patterns, chemical changes such as rigor mortis and other physical changes. The pig gives students a firsthand look at things that scientists and law enforcement officials who investigate crimes observe.

Students at the school have been introduced to the fetal pig activity about 30 times, and one teacher says the results have been different every time.

The students head outside three times a week to check on the carcass, as well as observe weather data and monitor what insects are on it.