Activity

Ethics, mice and toxins

In this activity, students consider the use of mice for bioassays and in establishing the lethal dose when researching/testing toxins. They consider the rights and responsibilities of all those affected by these methods and make a decision as to whether mice should be used in researching and testing for toxins.

Mouse bioassays

Paul McNabb of the Cawthron Institute in Nelson explains what a mouse bioassay is. He describes the shortcomings of mouse bioassays and explains the need to develop other ways to detect toxins.

Rights: University of Waikato. All Rights Reserved.

By the end of this activity, students should be able to:

  • identify the use of animals in research or testing as a controversial issue

  • demonstrate a scientific understanding of the controversial issue

  • make a decision as to whether mice should be used in testing for toxins and be able to justify their decision.

Download the Word file (see link below) for:

  • introduction/background notes

  • what you need

  • what to do

  • student handout.

Related content

Ethics and research animals is a class case study of using animals in research in a year 7–8 class.

Explore why dogs died on Auckland beaches in 2009 and meet the most poisonous creature in New Zealand – the grey side-gilled sea slug! Find out how the scientists collaborate with others – particularly iwi – to help keep people safe from toxins found in kaimoana. Take a look at how shellfish are monitored for toxins.

The Ethics thinking tool uses common ethical frameworks to help you explore ethical decision-making and judgements with your students.

Useful links

Read about legal aspects of animal welfare on the Ministry for Primary Industries website.

A New Zealand Herald article about animal use at Otago University: University’s death toll – 25,000 animals in 2 years and a response by Siouxsie Wiles.

An Otago Daily Times article about who uses animals in testing.

Published: 4 September 2012,Updated: 10 October 2014