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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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