Extension activities
Ask the students to say in which (if any) of the following situations they think the use of animals in research and testing is justified.
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Finding cures and treatments for life-threatening diseases, such as cancer
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Finding cures and treatments for debilitating diseases, such as arthritis
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Researching and testing new medicines
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Testing the safety of chemicals used in the home, such as cleaning products
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Testing the safety of cosmetics and toiletries
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Cures and treatments for animal diseases
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Research to improve the welfare of farm animals
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Research into how genes affect disease
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Research to learn how cells work
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Protecting people working in industry
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Research that tells us more about how animals’ bodies work
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Can the students think of any other examples of how animals may be used in research and testing, and if so, what are their views on these?
Things for students to think about and/or discuss
- Ask the students to discuss what circumstances might change their minds in any of the cases above.
- Ask the students to read this article from TimesOnline, which appeared on 10 January, 2010.
How would you feel if you were an animal caged for scientific testing?
A hierarchy of species is mentioned. What factors do the students think inform that hierarchy, and why?