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Geometry in Cell Biology
Author(s) -
Lin Danielle,
West Lori
Publication year - 2016
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.30.1_supplement.553.13
Subject(s) - mathematics education , mitosis , quality (philosophy) , perpendicular , order (exchange) , geometry , mathematics , computer science , biology , physics , microbiology and biotechnology , finance , quantum mechanics , economics
A goal of our research is to demonstrate to students the integration of geometry in biology. In order to do so, we developed an activity where elementary students can apply mathematical concepts in their biology laboratory sessions. In these activities, students first view cells using a compound light microscope. The cells are onion root tip mitosis cells. Then, using Geometer's SketchPad, they survey parallel and perpendicular lines as well as angles. In another activity, they consider a single cell and consider whether the cell is symmetrical. We demonstrated these activities to 4 th and 5 th grade elementary teachers. The teachers’ response was very positive. Although this experiment was developed with elementary teachers in mind, we feel that extensions of this exercise would be well suited in secondary and higher education. Support or Funding Information These activities were funded by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission Improving Teacher Quality program.