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Using models and modeling to interpret science to students, teachers and families
Author(s) -
Herman Tim,
Colton Shan,
Franzen Margaret,
Hoelzer Mark,
Vogt Gina
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.27.1_supplement.29.2
Subject(s) - outreach , artifact (error) , representation (politics) , computer science , mathematics education , physical science , psychology , artificial intelligence , politics , political science , law
The MSOE Center for BioMolecular Modeling (CBM) is an instructional materials development laboratory. Founded on a core technology of 3D printing, the CBM creates accurate physical models of proteins, based on the atomic coordinates of solved structures. These models have proven to be powerful “tools of engagement” in our science education outreach programs targeted to students, educators and the general public. A physical model of a protein functions as an external representation of the “mental model” that is carried around in the head of a scientist. As an external representation of the researcher's mental model, the physical model is a tangible artifact that can be shared by the expert (researcher) and the novice (student, teacher, parents) as it stimulates meaningful conversations about science, between people of disparate backgrounds and levels of experience. Physical models of proteins are supplemented with other hands‐on, active learning instructional tools and featured in two new professional development programs for high school teachers and their students; (i) Genes, Genomes and Personalized Medicine, and (ii) Drugs, Drug Targets and You. These same tangible instructional tools are featured in a series of Science Cafés designed to communicate current advances in the biomolecular sciences to the general public.