This monograph discusses the care and maintenance of animals, suggests some alternative teaching strategies, and affirms the value of teaching biology as the study of living organisms, rather than dead specimens. The lessons in this monograph are intended as guidelines that teachers should adapt for their own particular classroom needs. Chapter 1, "What Every Life Science Teacher Should Know About Using Vertebrate Animals in the Classroom and in Science Projects," discusses procurement and maintenance of animals, accidents involving animals, disposal of dead animals, and diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. Chapter 2, "The 3 R's: Reduction, Refinement, and Replacement," includes biology teaching objectives, alternatives that use the 3 R's, and lessons that use the 3 R's. Chapter 3, "Ethical Considerations," presents a field guide to the animal rights controversy and lessons that explore ethics. Chapter 4, "Resources," provides information on teaching materials, publishers and vendors, and selected organizations. Copies of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) policy statement on animals in biology classrooms and the NABT guidelines for the use of live animals are included. Appendices include the following: (1) principles and guidelines for the use of animals from the National Academy of Science, the National Research Council, the Institute of Laboratory Animal Resources, and the Canadian Council on Animal Care; and (2) rules of the International Science and Engineering Fair, the Westinghouse Science Talent Search, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Youth Science Foundation. Lists of 70 references and 50 curriculum guides consulted are provided. (KR)