Human Anatomy online
These links are provided as a service for teachers looking for dissection alternatives. The Alberta SPCA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. Inner BodyExplore the human body like never before! Choose any system and discover hundreds of interactive anatomy pictures and descriptions of thousands of objects in the […]
Animal Protection Act
Alberta’s Animal Protection Act provides mechanisms to help mistreated animals and to hold negligent owners accountable for their actions. This primary piece of legislation is used to protect animals in Alberta. Key aspects of the Act include: a definition of distress, detailed list of duties that must be performed by animal care providers, powers of […]
Exploring Alternatives
Alternatives to the use of vertebrate animals for research must be explored and discussed in the research plan. Alternatives include the following “3 Rs”: Replace vertebrate animals with invertebrates, lower life forms, tissue/cell cultures or computer simulations Reduce the number of animals without compromising statistical validity Refine the experimental protocol to lessen pain or distress […]
Online Dissection Simulations
These links are provided as service for teachers looking for dissection alternatives. The Alberta SPCA does not endorse and is not responsible for the content of external sites. Virtual Fetal Pig Dissection An online program complete with study guides to demonstrate each system and quizzes with immediate feedback. Uses close-up photos of a fetal pig […]
Student Achievement Comparisons
Student Achievement Comparisons A study that surveyed Ontario science teachers on their beliefs about animal dissection found that over half of teachers indicate that they use dissection for pedagogic reasons; that dissection helps solidify student’s knowledge and reinforce concepts; and that it is the “best” way to learn about anatomy and physiology (Oakley, 2012). However, […]
Opting In
Consider an Opt-In Dissection Policy Instead of requiring all students to participate, teachers who wish to facilitate dissection labs may consider an opt-in policy. Such a policy allows dissection labs to be offered as an extra learning activity that students can opt to participate in. There is no “extra credit” given; however, it provides motivated […]
The 3 Rs
The 3 R’s: Reduce, Replace, and Refine The scientific community has embraced the “3 R’s” philosophy about the use of animals in research since the 1959 publication of “The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique” by W. Russell and R. Burch: Reduction A decrease in the number of animals used while enhancing the quality of information. […]
Alternatives
Alternatives Alternatives provide students the opportunity to learn about body systems without requiring them to dissect animals. Research demonstrates that alternatives are equal to, or better at, meeting learning outcomes when compared with dissection. Alternatives also reduce the number of animals used in science, which is one of the principles of the 3Rs. The links […]
Dissection Implications
Dissection Implications Students may object to participating in dissections for a number of reasons including their belief systems (life views/religious beliefs), ethical basis (vegan/vegetarian), discomfort with dissecting dead animals, and concerns with confronting death. Research shows that: Negative attitudes towards dissections are underestimated. The number of students who have concerns about participating in dissections is […]
Circus Animals
Circus Animals What to do when the circus comes to town The image of a circus often conjures up warm memories from our youth as we recall the good times we had caught up in the excitement of everything going on – the ringmaster, the acrobats, the lion tamer with his whip… But wait, is […]