Active Learning Modules for the Molecular BioSciences

生物科学（61）该项目的目标是开发一系列主动学习模块，让学生参与对特定蛋白质的结构和功能的探索。 这些模块使用蛋白质的物理模型和其他引人注目的可视化，使分子世界真实的给学生。 每六个精心挑选的蛋白质都在案例研究的背景下进行了探索，在案例研究中，学生们面临着解决当前社会问题背景下出现的问题的挑战。 作为每个模块的最后一部分，学生们会遇到来自不同生物体的相关蛋白质共享相似氨基酸序列的证据。 这个反复出现的主题“进化在行动中”强调了生物体的相互关联性，并展示了分子生物科学中这一基本概念的力量。 这些单元最初由PI和coPI项目在五所本科院校试行，后来由更多的本科教育工作者试行，其中许多人来自为少数群体服务的院校，他们在两个夏季讲习班上接受了使用这些单元的培训。 对学生学习成果的评估包括前测和后测，其中包括解决模块四个主要学习目标的问题：（i）蛋白质结构和功能的一般概念，（ii）每个模块主题特定的概念，（iii）解决不同生物体中相似蛋白质相关性的概念，及（iv）学生对科学的态度及其在生活中的重要性。智力优势。 该项目研究使用创新的物理模型和其他引人注目的可视化的价值，以刺激学生积极探索无形的分子世界。 此外，该项目还测量了学习进展的影响，首先建立了对蛋白质的分子性质及其在生命过程中的关键作用的深刻理解，然后向学生提供数据，证明来自不同生物体的类似蛋白质的氨基酸序列同源性。 更广泛的影响。 该项目为越来越多的关于使用积极教学方法使学生参与有意义和持久的学习的教育研究做出了贡献。 它还试图改变学生对生物科学的态度，特别是关于进化的问题，通过提供“进化在行动中”的例子。"

Biological Sciences (61)The goal of this project is to develop a series of Active Learning Modules in which students are engaged in their own inquiry-driven exploration of the structure and function of specific proteins. The modules use physical models of proteins and other compelling visualizations that make the molecular world real to students. Each of six carefully chosen proteins is explored within the context of a case study in which the students are challenged to solve a problem that is presented against the backdrop of a current social issue. As the final component of each Module, students encounter evidence that related proteins from different organisms share a similar amino acid sequence. This recurring theme of "evolution in action" emphasizes the interrelatedness of living organisms and demonstrates the power of this fundamental concept in the molecular biosciences. The Modules are initially piloted by the project PI and coPIs in five undergraduate institutions, and later by a larger group of undergraduate educators, many from minority-serving institutions, who are trained in the use of the Modules at two summer workshops. Assessment of student learning gains includes pre- and post-tests that include questions addressing the four major learning objectives of the Modules: (i) general concepts of protein structure and function, (ii) concepts that are specific to the topic of each module, (iii) concepts addressing the relatedness of similar proteins across different organisms, and (iv) students' attitudes toward science and its perceived importance in their lives. Intellectual Merit. The project investigates the value of using innovative physical models and other compelling visualizations to stimulate active student exploration of the invisible molecular world. Additionally, the project measures the impact of a learning progression that first builds a deep understanding of the molecular nature of proteins and their critical role in life processes, and then presents students with data demonstrating the amino acid sequence homology of similar proteins from different organisms. Broader Impacts. The project contributes to the growing body of education research on the use of active teaching methods to engage students in meaningful and long-lasting learning. It also seeks to change students' attitudes toward the biological sciences, especially regarding the issue of evolution, by providing examples of "evolution in action."