AREA Program
Twin Cities Science Teachers,
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science (AALAS) and AALAS Foundation invite you and your students to participate in our annual Animal Research Education & Awareness (AREA) program at the Minneapolis Convention Center on Thursday, November 8, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
What is the AREA Program?
The AREA program is an enlightening and entertaining program designed to introduce science students to laboratory animal science and the vast array of career opportunities in this growing field. The program, held in conjunction with the AALAS National Meeting, teaches students how animals help scientists in research—and how research, in turn, benefits animals.
Introduction to Laboratory Animal Science
The AREA program begins with a presentation and group discussion about the importance of using animals in research, teaching, and testing, and the need for bright young students to enter the laboratory animal science field.
Exhibition Hall Expedition
Students are divided into small groups (four to five people) and led through the convention exhibit hall by AALAS members. On the tour, students answer science questions submitted by participating vendors and watch booth demonstrations on various aspects of laboratory animal science.
Lunch – Q&A Session
The program concludes with a complimentary lunch, a review of expedition findings, and a Q&A session.
Speaking Honestly: Animal Research Education
The program concludes with the Speaking Honestly: Animal Research Education (SHARE) , an engaging program that facilitates student discussion on the use of animals in research.
Through SHARE, students are introduced to animal rights, animal welfare, and animal use points of view.
First in small groups, and later as a whole class, students discuss the issues surrounding the use of animals in research by evaluating a sample research proposal.
Students are asked for their own opinions as well as the concerns they believe a scientist, a veterinarian and a member of the public would hold.
While creating a list of approved guidelines, students see their diverse attitudes revealed in their choices of acceptable animal research rules and regulations.
At the end of the program, students will be introduced to the concept of Institutional Animal Care and Use Committees (IACUC) and come to understand how the research community values animal welfare.
What is AALAS?
The American Association for Laboratory Animal Science is a professional, nonprofit association with over 13,000 members concerned with the study, care, and use of laboratory animals. Since 1950, we've been dedicated to the humane care and treatment of laboratory animals and the quality research that leads to scientific gains benefiting both people and animals.
The AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of professionals concerned with the production, care, and use of laboratory animals in biomedical research. To learn more about this year’s meeting, visit our National Meeting website.
Who Should Participate in the AREA Program?
The AREA program is open to high school biology and life science students interested in learning about the importance of quality laboratory animal care, research, and medicine.
How Do I Participate in the AREA Program?
To participate in the AREA program, please:
1. Fill out the Teacher Application Form and mail or fax it to the AALAS office by September 28.
2. Distribute the Student Application Form to your class and submit the responses to the AALAS office by October 12.
3. Send home a Letter to Parents detailing the AREA program (optional).
Questions?
For questions related to the AREA program, please contact:
Liz Rozanski
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
9190 Crestwyn Hill Dr, Memphis, TN 38125-8538
901-754-8620 | 901-753-0046 (fax)
liz.rozanski@aalas.org
© American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Foundation. All Rights Reserved
