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.
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.
