A surgical training device includes a model comprising a simulated tissue portion mounted in selectable tension onto a plurality of posts connected to a base. Each post includes at least one notch configured for retaining the simulated tissue portion. Mounting the simulated tissue portion that is in the form of a sheet in notches of different heights creates an angled installation of simulated tissue upon which surgical techniques such as cutting and suturing can be practiced in a simulated laparoscopic environment. More than one sheet can be mounted and each sheet can be mounted with selectable tension by pulling the sheet more or less as desired onto the posts. One variation includes a simulated tumor disposed between sheets, angled or wobbly posts and textured and imprinted simulated tissue surfaces to provide various levels of dynamism and difficulty for surgical skills training in a laparoscopic environment.