Student Area - Rules - Animal Experimentation

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[Student Area|Teacher Area|Judge Area] Rules and Regulations
Animal Experimentation
Required Scientific Papers

Required Papers Guide
Research Involving Humans
Reference List Format
Research Summary Format

Animal Experimentation

Use and Care of Animals
The basic aims of experiments involving animals are to achieve an understanding of life processes and to further human knowledge. The development of the scientific method can be enhanced when teachers and
STEM Exhibition judges insist that experiments involving animals have clearly defined objectives requiring the use of animals to demonstrate a biological principle or answer a scientific proposition. Such experiments must be conducted with a respect for life and an appreciation of human considerations that must be afforded both vertebrates and invertebrates.

It is strongly recommended that certain living organisms, such as plants,
yeast, protozoans, planaria, daphnia, rotifera, paramecium, earthworms, snails, insects, and other invertebrates, be used. The wide variety, ready availability, and simplicity of care and subsequent disposal of such organisms make them well suited for student work. Be aware, however, that there are hazards involved in using some microorganisms and that there are special rules governing their use. See the Biological Hazards section of this handbook for further information. The organisms listed on this page do not require prior approval.

No experimental procedures shall be attempted on vertebrates that cause the animal pain or distinct discomfort or that interfere with its health. (Keep in mind that humans are vertebrates.) Intrusive techniques may not be used. Included in intrusive techniques are surgery, injections, taking/giving blood, altering a normal diet, administering drugs or other chemical agents to measure their effect.Vertebrate animals may not be killed no matter how humane the method.

It is strongly recommended that observations of normal living patterns of animals be made rather than the use of animals in experiments. No changes may be made in the vertebrate animal’s normal environment. Maze running is the only form of experimentation allowed.

Projects involving the incubation of bird embryos must be terminated before 96 hours of incubation. If the incubation exceeds 96 hours, the project will be disqualified.

Students who wish to do projects involving vertebrates (including humans) must obtain prior approval from the Scientific Review Committee. The appropriate request form (human or other animal) must be completed and sent to the address listed BEFORE NOVEMBER 13, 2023. If the request is approved, the student will be registered on the Scientific Review Chairperson’s approved list and will receive a Vertebrate Animal Endorsement. This endorsement must accompany the student’s research summary at all STEM Exhibitions. For ISEF competition, the following forms are required: Checklist for Adult Sponsor/Safety Assessment Form (1), Research Plan (1A), Approval Form (1B), Registered Research Institutional/Industrial Setting Form (1C), Qualified Scientist Form (2), Designated Supervisor Form (3), and Nonhuman Vertebrate Animal Form (5), or Human and Animal Tissue Form (6). Once approval is received, the following guidelines must be observed.

  • Animals should be supplied by a reputable, certified animal supplier.
  • Animals must be maintained at a location approved by the Scientific Review Committee. This location will depend on the nature of the research.
  • The safety practices outlined under the heading Biological Hazards must be observed.
  • To provide for humane treatment of animals, a qualified adult supervisor who has training in the proper care and use of laboratory animals must assume primary responsibility for any experiment that involves living vertebrates. This person must hold either an M.D. degree, a Ph.D. degree in a field of biological research, or a D.V.M. degree. If the school faculty includes no one with training in the proper care and use of laboratory animals, the services of such a person on a consulting basis must be obtained.
  • The comfort of the animal used in any experiment shall be of prime concern to the experimenter. Proper quarters and care of any living organism must be provided at all times, including during weekends and vacation periods.

No person may perform any experiment for a student that violates these rules.

Exhibition of an Animal Research Project
Research data can be well presented without the actual physical presence of caged animals. By use of pictures, slides, or videotapes, research results can be effectively presented with maximum impact. In many cases, judges prefer this extra effort on the part of the student researcher and consider the presence of the animals as “proving nothing.”

Exhibition of vertebrate animals will not be allowed.

The Vertebrate Animal Endorsement must be prominently displayed.
The qualified scientist must have the necessary degrees (Ph.D., D.V.M., or
M.D.) to be eligible to sign this certificate.


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