‘Should We Be Doing It, Should We Not Be Doing It, Who Could Be Harmed?’

Abstract Many science educators have argued in favour of including socioscientific issues (SSI) general, and ethical particular, school science. However, there been a number objections to this proposal, it is widely acknowledged that such teaching places additional demands on teachers. This study examined the curricula, textbooks views both student teachers established England Germany regarding secondary science, particularly surrounding animal tests. Analysis curriculum documents for or upper showed countries, considerations feature strongly. overall treatments testing were generally ‘thin’, little opportunity was given students consider different frameworks. The teacher interviews revealed interviewees gave less emphasis than fundamental A referred lack appropriate material, many them also had concerns could give rise classroom management they might be accused indoctrinating their students. Given increasing acknowledgement need address so-called wicked problems, these findings are concern. We end with recommendations education.