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

项目总结： 数量生物学领域涉及使用数学、统计学和建模来分析 生物实验。高中和本科的学生可以通过以下方式发展这些技能 全面的STEM(科学、技术、工程和数学)教育。这些分析技能是 对于许多职业的成功至关重要，包括在科学领域的成功，以及在日常生活中做出明智的决定。 然而，尽管这种培训很重要，而且美国国务院提供了大量资金 在教育部，生物科学教师往往难以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。这项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 将定量分析带入教学实验室。 将定量分析纳入教学实验室的一个障碍是，必要的设备是 为研究目的而设计的；它太贵、太笨重、太脆弱、太复杂，不适合用于教育 环境。为了解决这个问题，我们将继续开发EdvoReader，这是一款简单、集成的设备 专为学生在实验室中进行探究性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，该系统既能比色，又能 实时定量聚合酶链式反应分析。在第二阶段，我们将改进EdvoReader的光学系统，并专注于 开发触摸屏界面，创建更快、更轻松的工作流程，并指导用户 设置、操作和数据分析。通过从头开始构建此仪器，EdvoReader可以 整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，我们将为教育领域开发一系列基于探究的实验 实验室。其中一组实验集中在环境监测的基础上，重点放在水上 质量检测。第二组实验通常将数量生物学整合到实验中。 在生物、生物化学、环境科学和生物技术课堂上表演。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 模拟，以及STEM职业探索的材料。已经招募了一个评估小组来评估 EdvoReader及其相关实验对STEM认同感的影响以及对发展的影响 高中生的量化技能。通过将低成本、用户友好的仪器与专用仪器相结合 实验，EdvoReader平台将为教育工作者提供一条廉价和可访问的途径 教授定量生物技术。反过来，学生将获得宝贵的实践培训和对 对职业发展至关重要的词干分析。

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.