A model for practicing laparoscopic surgical skills is provided. The model includes a base having a plurality of practice stations at the upper surface. The practice stations include a cover having a first closed position in which a cavity is concealed beneath the cover and a second open position in which the cover is moved to uncover the cavity. The covers are connected to the surface in a number of ways to provide a variety of haptic responses useful in fine-tuning laparoscopic surgical skills. The cover is configured as a door hinged with or without a bias, a flexible flap, a sliding cover, a lid, and a penetrable sheet. An object for removal is hidden inside the cavity underneath the cover for practicing hand-to-hand transfer of instruments, use of both hands, switching instruments and determining and visualizing tissue planes in a laparoscopic environment.