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.
Select here to view video transcript and copyright information.
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.
