This lesson is an introductory activity to be used in conjunction with a lesson on dissection. Students gain insight into the social context and complexity of science through participation in a debate on the ethics of dissection.

If you'd like to continue your discussion of research ethics, check out this 2015 lesson plan from the New York Times. The lesson plan is based on The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks, a book that explores the case of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cells have been used in thousands of research studies without her consent - or that of her family. It's not about neuroscience but it IS about ethical decisions and a person's right to privacy. The lesson plan has been archived at Text to Text | 'The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks' and 'The Sequel'.