Canada - High school
ALBERTA
Provincial curricula: Biology 20–30, revised 2009 (Updated in 2014)
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- Students will conduct investigations into relationships between and among observable variables and use a broad range of tools and techniques to gather and record data and information; observe, through dissection or computer simulations, the digestive and respiratory systems of a representative mammal and identify the major structural components (PR–NS2, PR–NS4, PR–NS5); and observe the principal features of a mammalian brain, eye and ear, using models, computer simulations or dissections, and identify the major structures of those organs (PR–NS3, PR–NS4) [ICT C6–4.4]
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Provincial law: School Act, Alternatives to Dissection (Revised 2018) https://www.vsb.bc.ca/District/Departments/Office_of_the_Superintendent/Administrative-Procedures-Manual/Administrative%20Procedures%20Manual%20Library/Section%20200/AP_258_Alternatives_to_Dissection.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- The District directs schools, within the resources available to them, to provide alternatives to dissection when students exercise this choice.
- All science teachers must be informed by the Superintendent of this Administrative Procedure regarding alternatives to animal dissection.
- Science teachers will inform students of their right to choose an alternative to animal dissection in advance of the activity.
- The teacher, along with the Principal, is responsible for providing comparable and viable alternatives when a student chooses not to participate in a dissection for religious or ethical reasons. Alternatives may include the use of books, videotapes, models, films, and computers.
MANITOBA
Provincial law: Manitoba Science Curriculum, Grade 11 Biology
https://www.edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/cur/science/found/gr11_bio/gr11_biology.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- Grade 11 Biology does not mandate that dissection (either real or virtual) take place in the classroom. Interactive multimedia materials such as computer simulations, tutorials, and video clips can substitute for the use of animals in the classroom. However, these alternatives must satisfy the objectives of teaching scientific methodology and fundamental biological concepts. If, in the judgment of the teacher, available alternatives do not meet these objectives, dissection may be used, provided that no student is forced to participate in a dissection over his or her objections. In the event that a student chooses not to participate in a dissection, he or she should be provided with an alternate activity of comparable complexity and rigour.
NEW BRUNSWICK
Provincial curricula: Teaching Framework, 2008, Biology 111 - 1112
https://www2.gnb.ca/content/dam/gnb/Departments/ed/pdf/K12/curric/Science/Biology111-112.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- Teaching Suggestions: A variety of techniques including wet mounts, prepared slides, classification sets, models, specimens, dissections, computer simulations, etc. provide
hands-on activities to reinforce student learning.
NEWFOUNDLAND & LABRADOR
Provincial policy:Atlantic Canada Science Curriculum: Biology 11 and Biology 12
http://tonen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BIOL11-and-BIOL12-Curr-Guide-2012.pdf
Curriculum guide: Science Grade 7
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- A variety of techniques including wet mounts, prepared slides, classification sets, models, specimens, dissections, computer simulations, etc., may provide hands-on activities to reinforce students learning. Commercial charts are also available that summarize the anatomy, physiology, and life cycles of many organisms.
THE NORTHWEST TERRITORIES
Provincial law: Education Act [Statutes of the Northwest Territories, Education Act, 1995]
https://www.canlii.org/en/nu/laws/stat/snwt-nu-1995-c-28/latest/snwt-nu-1995-c-28.html
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- Every teacher shall, respecting the students under his or her care and instruction, implement the education program and individual education plans in a way that encourages students to respect other students’ cultural and spiritual or religious values and beliefs.
NOVA SCOTIA
Provincial policy: Atlantic Canada Science Curriculum: Biology 11 and Biology 12
http://tonen.ca/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/BIOL11-and-BIOL12-Curr-Guide-2012.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- A variety of techniques including wet mounts, prepared slides, classification sets, models, specimens, dissections, computer simulations, etc., may provide hands-on activities to reinforce students learning. Commercial charts are also available that summarize the anatomy, physiology, and life cycles of many organisms.
- The South Shore Regional School Board (SSRSB) supports the concept that students must be provided with alternatives to dissection where this procedure is a part of the course of study. The alternatives to dissection shall be accessed and available to students as an integral part of their program when requested.
ONTARIO
Provincial curriculum: Program of Science, Grades 11 and 12
http://www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/curriculum/secondary/2009science11_12.pdf
The Windsor Essex Catholic District School board voted to phase out frog and fetal pig dissection in its schools over the next two years in 2019. "Animal dissection is academically unnecessary and, despite its prevalence in North American schools, it is not practiced worldwide," said Dan Fister, executive superintendent of innovation and experiential learning. "We believe this is a more ethical, humane and engaging way to teach students science." (https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/windsor/animal-dissection-technology-windsor-wecdsb-1.5375409)
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Students enrolled in Windsor Essex Catholic District Schools from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- There may be cultural sensitivities for some students in areas such as the use of biological specimens. Although it is impossible to anticipate every contingency, teachers should be open to adjusting their instruction, if feasible, when concerns are brought to their attention.
PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
Provincial law: Dissection Policy [Education Handbook for School Administrators 2012-2013]
https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/sites/default/files/publications/eelc_bio521a.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- Should a student wish not to participate in a dissection activity for moral, religious, or other acceptable reasons, then a meaningful alternative to the dissection activity must be provided for the student. Students are to be informed, at the beginning of any course potentially involving the practice of animal dissection, of their right to choose to not dissect animals.
QUEBEC
According to PETA, 'the minister of education, recreation and sports' has confirmed student choice regarding dissection. (https://www.petakids.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/dissectionlfltQUEBEC_BW_Updated_300.pdf)
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- The science and technology programs aim to develop attitudes that are respectful to living beings and the environment among students and that do not require this kind of activity. Thus, using animal dissection is not required to meet the training needs. Also note that teachers have educational resources that offer animal dissection alternatives such as virtual simulations and other digital resources.
SASKATCHEWAN
According to PETA, student choice is law in Saskatchewan:
Science: A Curriculum Guide for the Secondary Level, Biology 20/30, Saskatchewan Education, September 1992.
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- PETA reference from 1992 - If dissections are morally or philosophically objectionable, arrange for an alternate assignment; for example, computer simulated or video dissections and a report.
- 2011 - Technology-based resources are essential for instruction in the science classroom. Some recommended examples of using computer technologies to support teaching and learning in science include: Simulation and modeling software provide opportunities to explore concepts and models. (https://www.edonline.sk.ca/bbcswebdav/library/curricula/English/Science/Science_2_2011.pdf, page 24)
YUKON
Provincial law: Adopted B.C.'s School Act, Alternatives to Dissection (Revised 2018) https://www.vsb.bc.ca/District/Departments/Office_of_the_Superintendent/Administrative-Procedures-Manual/Administrative%20Procedures%20Manual%20Library/Section%20200/AP_258_Alternatives_to_Dissection.pdf
Covers
Public school students from kindergarten through grade 12.
Summary
- The District directs schools, within the resources available to them, to provide alternatives to dissection when students exercise this choice.
- All science teachers must be informed by the Superintendent of this Administrative Procedure regarding alternatives to animal dissection.
- Science teachers will inform students of their right to choose an alternative to animal dissection in advance of the activity.
- The teacher, along with the Principal, is responsible for providing comparable and viable alternatives when a student chooses not to participate in a dissection for religious or ethical reasons. Alternatives may include the use of books, videotapes, models, films, and computers.
