After Dolly

An interactive debate for your pupils about the ethics of animal research

Edinburgh Zoo 17 and 18 June, 10am (90 minutes) Free

Scientific research on animals can be controversial and begs many ethical questions that interest young people and, of course, wider society. This interactive event gives your students the chance to take part in this debate, to hear from people involved in the research and to express their views on what they think should or should not be allowed.

Through discussions with geneticist Bruce Whitelaw from the Institute that produced Dolly, the world's first cloned sheep, who works with genetically engineered pigs to cure disease, and bio-ethicist Peter Sandhoe, pupils will hear how scientists make their minds up about what research scientists should or should not do.

Pupils will be asked to consider the research from four different 'camps' or viewpoints:

1. Those with concerns about animals rights
2. Another with concerns about the potential (i.e. unknown) impact on nature as whole
3. Another as political decision-makers
4. And the last to consider patients who could directly benefit from the research.

After discussion between the pupils and the expert presenters, the pupils will vote on how they think the scientists should proceed.

This will be an interactive event in which pupils will be able to cross examine our experts and then form and express their views.

The structure of the event is as follows:

Discussion about the world's first cloned sheep, Dolly, which was created at the Roslin Institute, outside Edinburgh. We look at why she was important as a step towards producing health related products for humans and what concerns we might have had about this research, such as it leading to the cloning of other mammals including humans.

Discussion about fluorescent pigs developed after Dolly by the Roslin Institute. These are developed as part of research to demonstrate refined gene transfer methods that reduce the number of animals utilised. > We will consider the associated ethical concerns about this research.

Discussion and vote on whether to genetically modify pigs to have resistance to swine fever and therefore help them survive in Africa so helping to feed the poor.

Discussion and vote on whether to genetically modify pigs to make them blind in order to find a cure for a human blindness disease condition called retinitus pigmentosa

Curriculum links

Biological Systems
I can debate the moral and ethical issues associated with some controversial biological procedures.
SCN 4-13c

Biological Systems
I have researched new developments in science and can explain how their current or future applications might impact on modern life.
SCN 4-20a

Topical Science
Having selected scientific themes of topical interest, I can critically analyse the issues, and use relevant information to develop an informed argument.
SCN 4-20b

How to Book

This event is free for your pupils to attend and afterwards there will be the opportunity to visit the Zoo.

To book a place for your school please e-mail education@scifest.co.uk by Friday 4 June with contact details, approximate numbers and the session you wish to attend.

We will reply and confirm your places. Places are limited to 60 pupils per session and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please see our Future Events andPast Events information.