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A Story of Chicks, Science Fairs and the Ethics of Students’ Biomedical Research

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Animals and Science Education

Abstract

Here, we tell the story of Jenna, a high school student who presents her research and poster, “The Effects of Alcohol on Chicks,” at a state science fair. We highlight a conversation that took place as Jenna discussed her research with science educators. The chapter centers on this case narrative and illustrates the importance of critically engaging youth in constructive discussions about human use of animals in research and the controversial nature of ethics pertaining to such practices . It reminds us that scientific advancements are meaningless if we begin to consider these endeavors superior to ethics and morals. The case is followed by a reaction from a science educator who views the story by feminist critique . As Jenna’s case shows, educators are responsible for creating spaces for these types of discussions. We must guide students to reflect and evaluate society’s over-emphasis on the primacy of humans over other animals, and consider how such notions impact the negotiations of what are ethical, human and moral decisions.

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Correspondence to Sophia (Sun Kyung) Jeong .

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Jeong, S., Tippins, D.J., Kayumova, S. (2017). A Story of Chicks, Science Fairs and the Ethics of Students’ Biomedical Research. In: Mueller, M., Tippins, D., Stewart, A. (eds) Animals and Science Education. Environmental Discourses in Science Education, vol 2. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56375-6_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-56375-6_8

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