Animal experiments CD for schools

FRAME has issued the CD for schools and colleges, which includes copies of its Focus series of leaflets. Although the material is aimed at sixth-formers it is also accessible at GCSE level and has been used successfully in bioethics sessions by first-year undergraduates.

The leaflets provide an introduction to the topic of animal experiments, what kinds of test are used and why they are carried out. They also look at what valid alternative procedures are available to scientists that do not involve the use of animals. Topics covered include ways to reduce the numbers of animals used in experiments, how to refine experiments to minimise suffering, genetic modification, use of human cells and tissues, use of primates, safety testing, and vaccine production.

Michael Reiss, Professor of Science Education at the Institute of Education, University of London said: "These are an excellent set of materials from FRAME to help students address important questions. While they are balanced, they do not avoid the moral imperative we have to do all we can to ensure animals are only used when the need is pressing, there are no alternatives, and the use of animals and any resulting suffering are minimised. I wish I had had these materials when I was teaching.”

FRAME’s ultimate aim is the elimination of the need to use laboratory animals in any kind of medical or scientific procedures. FRAME is an independent charity with offices in Nottingham, where staff carry out desk-based research. It also supports a research laboratory, the FRAME Alternatives Laboratory, at the University of Nottingham.

The CD has been produced with financial assistance from The Marjorie Coote Animal Charities Trust. If your school would like a copy or any further information about FRAME and its work, please email frame@frame.org.uk with your details.

September 2010