Ducceschi L. Bringing Compassion into the Middle and High School Classroom: Humane Education Initiatives. Paper presented at: Alternatives in the Mainstream: Innovations in Life Science Education and Training. 2nd InterNICHE Conference; 2005 May 12-15; Oslo, Norway


Abstract

Building an awareness and interest in humane education initiatives should begin at a young age in order to effect the most change in students. Often, it is in the middle and high school years where students have their first confrontation with ethical issues related to the harmful use of animals in the classroom, whether it be through dissection, science fairs, or classroom projects. There are many positive changes for both animals and students that are occurring at this level, and Animalearn will discuss current initiatives, current and past successes, and future areas of concentration in humane education at the middle and high school level. Animalearn is the educational division of the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS).

Discussion will revolve around: Current legal and policy issues related to animals used in the middle and high school classroom; the significant increase in the borrowing and use of non-animal alternatives through our Science Bank alternatives loan program; specific endeavours in which Animalearn is working with educators, students, parents and administrators to make a difference for both animals and students in middle and high school; and Animalearn’s initiative with the New England Anti-Vivisection Society (NEAVS) to distribute the Next of Kin humane science education curriculum free to educators.