Animals in Education | The Humane Society of the United States

	Animals in Education

The Humane Society of the United States recognizes the importance of biology studies at all levels of education. As the "study of life," biology programs should be designed to instill in students an interest in, and respect for, all living things. The HSUS believes that these objectives are best met when biology education focuses on animals as living, sentient creatures, emphasizing their behavior, life history patterns and relationships with their environment.

The HSUS offers a wide variety of information for teachers and students pertaining to dissection and the use of animals in education. Our online dissection resources include, but are not limited to:

A listing of, and links to, dissection laws/student choice policies from various states.
A discussion of various problems—ethical, social, environmental, pedagogical—surrounding dissection.
Frequently asked questions about dissection.

	Comparative Studies of Dissection and Other Animal Uses The HSUS has compiled a list of comparative studies that show students who use alternative methods learn as well or better than students who use live animals. more

	Create a Humane Biology Classroom Make your classroom a humane biology classroom. The HSUS offers free advice and services to provide you with the tools for a successful humane biology curriculum. more

	Dissection Campaign Packet The HSUS Dissection Campaign Packet outlines alternatives to dissection for students of high school age and younger. more

	Dissection Laws Several states have adopted choice-in-dissection laws and policies that allow students to opt out of classroom exercises that are harmful to animals. more

	Dissection vs. Alternatives: A Cost Comparison The HSUS has compiled a cost comparison list of dissection versus alternatives to dissection materials. more

	Dissection: Gender, Teacher Attitudes and Conscientious Objection This case study of Massachusetts examines the relationship between gender, teacher attitudes and conscientious objection. Student choice legislation is also discussed. more

	Educational Memorial Programs U.S. veterinary schools have created Educational Memorial Programs, based on human body-donation programs, in which pet owners donate their deceased animals to help train vets. more

	Frequently Asked Questions about Dissection The HSUS provides answers to frequently asked questions about the use of animals in dissection. more

	Humane Education Loan Program (HELP) The HSUS operates a loan program to provide students and educators with up-to-date alternatives to classroom animal dissection and live animal experimentation. more

	Humane Science Projects A listing and descriptions of humane science projects that serve as alternatives to classroom dissection. more

	Problems with Dissection An overview of the main concerns and problems having to do with dissection, ranging from ethical to environmental. more

	Student Choice Law in Your State: A Lobbying Guide This brochure is an excellent guide to help you pass a law in your state that will protect students who wish to use an alternative to dissection. more

	Student Choice in Biology Education: A Policy Guide Learn how to put a successful student choice policy into place at your school. Read our brochure for students who are interested in implementing a policy in their school, county, or state. more

	Students Slice Through School Dissection Requirements Jennifer Watson and Laurie Wolff both stood up to their school districts—and advanced the cause of educational alternatives for students opposed to animal dissections in the classroom. more

	The Use of Animals in Higher Education: Problems, Alternatives, and Recommendations Dr. Jonathan Balcombe's The Use of Animals in Higher Education argues that harming creatures in the name of learning is undesirable. more