The use of animals in biomedical research is a socio-scientific issue in which decision-making is
complicated. In this article, we describe an experience involving a role play activity performed during
school visits to the Barcelona Biomedical Research Park (PRBB) to debate animal testing. Role playing
games require students to defend different positions and permit participants to debate and reflect on their
personal opinions. A total of 262 students from 15- to 30-years-old participated in the activity. The
article presents an analysis of the students’ opinions on this topic before and after performing the
activity. Our results show that students actively took part in debate and made use of the new information
provided by the game, especially the legal aspects. In conclusion, the role play activity helped
participants to create a more informed opinion, stimulated critical thinking and argumentation skills. We
encourage science teachers to use role playing games to discuss socio-scientific issues.

• Using Role Play to Debate Animal Testing

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