The EdvoReader: Developing a Quantitative PCR and Colorimetry Instrument for Laboratory Skills Training

项目概要： 定量生物学领域涉及使用数学、统计学和建模来分析结果 生物实验。高中和本科生可以通过以下方式培养这些技能 全面的 STEM（科学、技术、工程和数学）教育。这些分析能力是 对于许多职业（包括科学领域）的成功以及在日常生活中做出明智的决定至关重要。 然而，尽管这次培训很重要，并且美国部门提供了大量资金 作为教育学博士，生物科学教师常常很难将定量分析纳入他们的课程。 这通常是由于缺乏资源、设备、专业知识和时间造成的。该提案旨在解决这些问题 通过创建设备、实验和综合资源来应对挑战 定量分析进入教学实验室。 将定量分析纳入教学实验室的一大障碍是必要的设备 专为研究用途而设计；它太昂贵、笨重、脆弱且复杂，不适合在教育中使用 环境。为了解决这个问题，我们将继续开发 EdvoReader，一个简单的集成设备 专为学生在实验室中进行基于探究的定量生物学实验而设计。在第一阶段，我们 开发了一种具有精密光学检测系统的热循环仪，能够进行比色法和 实时 PCR 分析。在第二阶段，我们将完善 EdvoReader 的光学系统，重点关注 开发触摸屏界面，创建更快、更轻松的工作流程并指导用户通过 设置、操作和数据分析。通过从头开始构建该仪器，EdvoReader 可以 结合对教育工作者最重要的功能，同时最大限度地降低成本。 为了补充 EdvoReader，我们将为教育开发一系列基于探究的实验 实验室。一组实验侧重于环境监测的基础知识，重点是水 质量测试。第二组实验将定量生物学融入到普通实验中 在生物学、生物化学、环境科学和生物技术课程中进行。为了补充 动手实验，我们将创建一个广泛的培训库，包括操作视频、互动 用于 STEM 职业探索的模拟和材料。已组建评估小组进行评估 EdvoReader 和相关实验对 STEM 身份的影响和发展 高中生的定量技能。通过将低成本、用户友好的仪器与专用的 实验，EdvoReader 平台将为教育工作者提供一条廉价且易于访问的途径 教授定量生物技术。反过来，学生将获得宝贵的实践培训并了解 STEM 分析对于职业发展至关重要。

Project Summary: The field of quantitative biology involves using mathematics, statistics, and modeling to analyze the results of biological experiments. Students at the high school and undergraduate levels can develop these skills through a comprehensive STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) education. These analytical skills are crucial for success in many careers, including those in science, and for making informed decisions in daily life. However, despite the importance of this training, and the significant funding provided by the U.S. Department of Education, biological science teachers often struggle to incorporate quantitative analysis into their curricula. This is often due to a lack of resources, equipment, expertise, and time. This proposal aims to address these challenges by creating equipment, experiments, and comprehensive resources that can be used to bring quantitative analysis into teaching laboratories. One barrier to incorporating quantitative analysis in teaching laboratories is that the necessary equipment is designed for research use; it is too expensive, bulky, fragile, and complicated for use in an educational environment. To address this problem, we will continue to develop the EdvoReader, a simple, integrated device designed for students to perform inquiry-based quantitative biology experiments in the lab. In Phase I, we developed a thermal cycler with a precision optical detection system that is capable of both colorimetry and real-time PCR analysis. In Phase II, we will refine the EdvoReader’s optical system and focus on the development of a touch screen interface that creates a faster and easier workflow and directs users through setup, operation, and data analysis. By building this instrument from the ground up, the EdvoReader can incorporate the features most important to educators while minimizing costs. To complement the EdvoReader, we will develop a series of inquiry-based experiments for the educational laboratory. One set of experiments focuses on the basics of environmental monitoring, focusing on water quality testing. A second set of experiments integrates quantitative biology into experiments commonly performed in biology, biochemistry, environmental science, and biotechnology classes. To complement the hands-on experiments, we will create an extensive training library, including how-to videos, interactive simulations, and materials for STEM career exploration. An assessment team has been recruited to evaluate the EdvoReader and associated experiments for its effects on STEM identity and for the development of quantitative skills in high school students. By combining a low cost, user-friendly instrument with dedicated experiments, the EdvoReader platform will provide educators with an inexpensive and accessible pathway to teach quantitative biotechnology. In turn, students will gain valuable hands-on training and an understanding of STEM analysis that will be critical for career development.