Animal Use in Science: Exploring the 3Rs

Module 3

Replacement: Alternatives to Using Animal Models in Testing, Research, and Education

Competency: Outline various ways to replace the use of animals in research

Learning objectives:

  • Identify why researchers may try to replace the use of animals in their research
  • Describe examples of human simulators, cell-based models, and humane dissection tools as methods of replacement
  • Describe the common issues associated with traditional drug development methods and how replacement technology can address those issues
  • Provide research-backed support for the effectiveness of replacement

Assessment: Classroom Animal Use Alternatives Proposal

  • Proposal identifies the educational activity and types of animals that will be replaced
  • Proposal identifies how many animals are used in the current activity
  • Proposal identifies specific examples of products/activities animals could be replaced with
  • Proposal identifies drawbacks of using animals in your classroom
  • Proposal identifies cost considerations for the solution
  • Proposal identifies safety and/or reliability considerations for the solution
  • Proposal identifies social and/or cultural considerations for the solution
  • Proposal identifies environmental impact of the solution
Download Materials

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

Presentations:

Public Opinion Polls on Animal Testing
(PowerPoint, 12.0 MB)

Replacement
(PowerPoint, 35.1 MB

Linked External Standards:

NGSS

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

HS-ETS1-3 Evaluate a solution to a complex real-world problem based on prioritized criteria and trade-offs that account for a range of constraints, including cost, safety, reliability, and aesthetics as well as possible social, cultural, and environmental impacts.

Common Core State Standards - 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.9-10.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence.