If you are thinking of doing a project involving animals, it is important to understand how to do ethical STEM. Before starting any work, you must check what you need to do to create an ethical plan.

Working with Animals

If you are planning to observe or test any kind of animal, or use animal/human tissue, here’s what you need to know:

All projects involving animals must:

• Have an adult supervisor to provide advice on STEM ethics.
• Create a research plan with your supervisor. Feel free to use the template Use of Animals Research Plan.
• Comply with applicable federal legislation (e.g. Health of Animals Act; Criminal Code of Canada section 446, Cruelty to Animals, provincial legislation).

Animal Categories

Invertebrates – animals without a backbone (including worms, insects, molluscs, protists)

• Most experiments involving invertebrates (except cephalopods) are allowed; however, there must be clear educational or scientific value, and the animals must be treated with care and respect.
• Confirm your project would be ethical by reviewing Youth Science Canada’s Invertebrates policy.

Vertebrates – animals with backbones (including mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians and fishes; includes cephalopods and decapod crustaceans)

• Observation of animals in zoological parks, farm animals, and pets is allowed
• Observation of wild animals, except those at risk, is allowed
• Behavioural experiments with positive rewards are allowed, as long as the animal is not placed in a stressful situation
• Experiments that may negatively affect the health, comfort or physical wellbeing of an animal are not allowed
• Projects that require or lead directly to the death of a vertebrate animal are not allowed
• Confirm your project would be ethical by reviewing Youth Science Canada’s Vertebrates policy

Animal/human tissues – including cells, organs, blood and animal parts

• These may be used only if they are: obtained from a biological supply company; a research facility at a laboratory licensed to do animal/human studies; or salvaged from the food industry.
• Animals cannot be euthanized to obtain tissue for a STEM project; however, a STEM project may use tissue from animals euthanized for approved research by a STEM professional in an authorized facility (e.g., university, hospital)
• Confirm your project would be ethical by reviewing Youth Science Canada’s Animal and Human Tissue policy (which is part of the Vertebrates policy)

STEM fair participation

If you are entering your project in a STEM fair, check out the ethics information and forms on mySTEMspace.ca. (Your regional STEM fair may have their own forms.)

Remember

If your project might harm others or animals, you have doubts about safety, or you are unsure if your project would be allowed: STOP! Do not continue until you’ve talked with an adult about your project idea, and you read through safety and ethics information to understand whether your project is ethical and safe.