Animal Use in Science: Exploring the 3Rs

Module 1

Introduction to Animal Science and the 3Rs

Competency: Examine the use of animals in scientific research in the United States.

Learning Objectives: List animals commonly chosen for use in scientific research

  • Identify animals used in scientific research
  • Identify how many animals are used in scientific research in the U.S.
  • Relate regulatory requirements to animal testing
  • Define the 3 Rs of animal research

Assessment: Animal Use in Scientific Research

  • Product: infographic, poster, or presentation
  • Product identifies one key animal commonly used in scientific research
  • Product identifies at least three different types of research that use this animal
  • Product identifies how many animals are used in research in a year
  • Product describes how each of the 3Rs could be applied to research studies using that animal
Download Materials

Lesson plan, worksheets, and activities (PDF, 1.1 MB)

Presentations:

Introduction to the 3Rs
(PowerPoint, 16.7 MB)

Animal Testing Regulations
(PowerPoint, 16.2 MB)

Linked External Standards:

NGSS

HS-ESS3-4 Evaluate or refine a technological solution that reduces impacts of human activities on natural systems

CCSS- Math

HSN-Q.A.1 Use units as a way to understand problems and to guide the solution of multi-step problems; choose and interpret units consistently in formulas; choose and interpret the scale and the origin in graphs and data displays

CCSS- ELA

RST.11-12.7 Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in diverse formats and media (e.g., quantitative data, video, multimedia) in order to address a question or solve a problem.

RST.11-12.9 Synthesize information from a range of sources (e.g., texts, experiments, simulations) into a coherent understanding of a process, phenomenon, or concept, resolving conflicting information when possible.

W.9-10.2.A Introduce a topic; organize complex ideas, concepts, and information to make important connections and distinctions; include formatting (e.g., headings), graphics (e.g., figures, tables), and multimedia when useful to aiding comprehension.

W.9-10.2.B Develop the topic with well-chosen, relevant, and sufficient facts, extended definitions, concrete details, quotations, or other information and examples appropriate to the audience's knowledge of the topic.

W.9-10.9 Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research.