Student knowledge about the use of animals in scientific research

Abstract Although the media has currently presented information on Bioethics, it is still poorly explored in school environments. Based on this, we decided to check the knowledge and ideas of students from two schools in the City of Rio de Janeiro. A questionnaire was applied and the students could comment on the theme “use of animals in scientific research”. After analyzing the data, we verified that the students’ knowledge is fragmented and that little of this knowledge seems to have been constructed in the school. However, the students showed interest in the subject, although some of them had no clear opinion about it. Our results show that the teacher who is aware of his role becomes an instrument for the formation of critical citizens, and that the reflection of the students about Bioethics is still nor encouraged enough, which can negatively influence decision-making in society.