Using Physical Models to Enhance Biomolecular Education

基于原子坐标并使用快速原型技术建立的物理模型与传统教育材料相结合，使学生对生物分子结构的三维概念进行有意义的探索。学生对这些模型的使用是由辅助材料指导的，包括：(i)“分子之月”网站，在过去的三年里，一个不同于蛋白质数据库的分子结构以简洁的文字和引人注目的插图为特色的一系列页面；（ii）编钟教程，向学生介绍如何使用电脑可视化工具；（iii）利用这些计算机工具探索蛋白质数据库中的结构文件，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展示了物理分子模型作为动觉工具，吸引学生探索分子结构，特别是当与计算机图像一起使用时。由于模型在各种教育环境中的使用，以及职前和在职教师以及生物学本科生的参与，该项目产生了更广泛的影响。

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.