Instructions are given for "knotting" balloons in order to sculpt inexpensive and fun molecular models. Detailed steps for particular molecules are not given, however. Finished models are pictured for tetrahedron, octahedron, Buckminster-Fullerene, diamond, graphite, faujasite, cuban cluster, and a DNA double helix. If you work out details for a specific molecule, please contact emartz@microbio.umass.edu so they can be included here!
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Authors:
Eckhardt, Rolf; Karim, Asif; Rehbein, Marcus.
Submitted by: Martz, Eric.
(Entry 5). Submitted on Aug 8, 2006. Last revised on Dec 13, 2006.
- Cross-indexing terms:
high school; secondary school; DNA; proteins; carbohydrates; lipids; Jmol.
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Authors:
Reichsman, Frieda; Martz, Eric.
Submitted by:
the author.
(Entry 6). Submitted on Jan 15, 2007.
- Cross-indexing terms:
jmol; water; ice; carbon monoxide; soap; diamond; graphite; nicotine; drugs; fullerine; salt; benzene; DNA; methane; lesson plans.
Examples: Why does ice float? Why is water such a good solvent? Why is carbon monoxide so dangerous? How does soap work? Why can plain carbon be hard (diamond) or soft (graphite)? Why does nicotine cause cancer? How do drugs work?
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Author:
edinformatics, dotcom
Submitted by: Martz, Eric.
(Entry 7). Submitted on Oct 30, 2007.
- Cross-indexing terms:
physical models of DNA, building; models of DNA, physical, building; beads for a model of DNA; DNA, building a model with jewelry beads; genetic code, lesson illustrating with secret messages; central dogma, lesson decoding secret messages.
Students build short segments (about 10 base pairs) of DNA using jewelry beads, becoming intimately involved in DNA structure. The kinesthetic experience and durable product combine to make a lasting impression, and something useful deeply learned about a seemingly complex topic. Middle school students, high school students, and teachers in our workshops have all successfully constructed the molecule. They reinvent the process and make wonderful embellishments. Includes detailed lesson plans,
a source for beads, and step-by-step photos for construction.
From the Evolution and the Nature of Science Institutes. Site includes many other lessons including Say it with DNA: Making and Translating DNA Messages (by Larry Flammer):
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This activity uses the metaphor of decoding a secret message for the Protein Synthesis process. Students teach themselves the sequence of DNA-Translation (DNA-mRNA-tRNA-protein), and practice with DNA codes which translate into amino acid sequences spelling out meaningful sentences in English!
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Authors:
Atkins, Thomas; Roderick, Joyce; Flammer, Larry.
Submitted by: Martz, Eric.
(Entry 3). Submitted on Dec 7, 2004.
- Cross-indexing terms:
water; ice; chime; density.
There is a new revised Review of density, mass and volume that contain javascripts that test students knowledge as they work through the activity. Also new is an online tutorial using Chime for Middle and High School students and a revised (version2) MathMol Hypermedia Textbook which includes activities using java applets including Java Mage.
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Author:
Rich, Marvin
Submitted by:
the author.
(Entry 1). Submitted on Dec 2, 2000. Last revised on Oct 16, 2004.
- Cross-indexing terms:
jmol; sugars; sweeteners, artificial; artificial sweeteners; bitter-tasting chemicals; sour-tasting chemicals; capsaicin; menthol; lesson plans.
This site provides a brief introduction to the physiology of taste, and enables 3D interactive visualization of sugars, artificial sweeteners, bitter chemicals, sour chemicals, capsaicin, and menthol.
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Author:
edinformatics, dotcom
Submitted by: Martz, Eric.
(Entry 8). Submitted on Oct 30, 2007.
- Cross-indexing terms:
movies, short; proton gradients; ATP synthesis; respiration; electron transport chain; protein transport; transcription; mRNA processing; mRNA splicing; translation; lac operon function.
These very educational short movies will help help to convey major biochemical processes, and aid students to appreciate the connections between molecular structure, functional macromolecular assemblies, and the cell.
Eight separate short movies introduce proton gradients and ATP synthesis, cellular respiration (electron transport chain), protein transport (mitochondrial), transcription, mRNA processing, mRNA splicing, translation, and lac operon function.
The movies are narrated with clear and nicely paced explanations, and component "players" are labeled. Molecules, complexes, and organelles are presented in schematic simplification, enabling the key points to be appreciated without being lost in unnecessary visual complexity. Each movie tells a story that integrates biochemical, genetic, and cellular processes. There are presently eight movies, each about three minutes in length. The movies are appropriate for grades 7-12, college, or post-graduate levels, having sufficient simplicity yet sufficient detail to intrigue viewers at all levels.
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Authors:
McClean, Phillip; Johnson, Christina.
Submitted by: Martz, Eric.
(Entry 4). Submitted on Dec 12, 2005. Last revised on Dec 12, 2005.
53 total subject cross-indexing terms.