Using Physical Models to Enhance Biomolecular Education

正在结合传统教材使用以原子坐标为基础并利用快速原型技术建造的物理模型，使学生对生物分子结构的三维概念进行有意义的探索。 学生们使用这些模型的指导材料包括：㈠“每月分子”网站，在过去三年中，该网站用一系列网页介绍了蛋白质数据库中的一种不同分子结构，并配有简明的文字和引人注目的插图; ㈡ Chime教程，向学生介绍计算机可视化工具的使用;和（iii）蛋白质数据库中的结构文件，其用这些计算机工具探索以进一步研究每个分子主题的结构和功能。这个项目的智力价值是物理分子模型作为动觉工具的演示，使学生参与分子结构的探索，特别是当沿着计算机图像使用时。 更广泛的影响，该项目产生的各种教育环境中使用的模型，并参与职前和在职教师以及生物本科生。

Physical models, based on atomic coordinates and built using rapid-prototyping technology, are being used in combination with traditional educational materials to engage students in a meaningful exploration of the three-dimensional concepts of biomolecular structure. The students' use of these models is guided by supporting materials, including:(i) the "Molecule of the Month" web site, where for the past three years, a different molecular structure from the Protein Data Bank has been featured in a series of pages with concise text and compelling illustrations; (ii) a Chime tutorial that introduces students to the use of computer visualization tools; and (iii) structure files in the Protein Data Bank that are explored with these computer tools to further investigate the structure and function of each molecular topic. The intellectual merit of this project is the demonstration of physical molecular models as kinesthetic tools that engage students in an exploration of molecular structure, especially when used along with computer imagery. The broader impacts of the project arise from the use of the models in a variety of educational settings, and the involvement of pre-service and in-service teachers as well as biology undergraduates.