Session Type

Poster

Room

P&A Atrium

Start Date

6-7-2017 5:50 PM

Keywords

Michael-Menten Kinetics, 3D animation, educational technology

Primary Threads

Education Technologies and Innovative Resources

Abstract

The mathematical models that describe enzyme kinetics are invaluable predictive tools in numerous scientific fields. However, the daunting mathematical language used to describe kinetic behaviour can be confusing for life science students; they often struggle to conceptualize and relate the mathematical representations to the molecular phenomena occurring at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students with less developed abstract and mathematical thinking skills may benefit from a visual learning approach. The paucity of visual resources for enzyme kinetics makes this a fertile field for developing novel learning media. We discuss developing a 3D animation aimed at introducing key concepts of Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics to undergraduate life science students. This animation uses both realistic and metaphoric depictions of the underlying molecular players, environments, and interactions in enzyme kinetics to contextualize and explain the relationship between the mathematic models and underlying molecular system. In addition, we will present our production pipeline and workflow for creating educational animations as well as didactic strategies that maximize clarity and accessibility in animated media.

Elements of Engagement

We will present the 3D animation on our laptop at the conference poster session.

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Jul 6th, 5:50 PM

Developing a 3D animation for deeper molecular understanding of Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics

P&A Atrium

The mathematical models that describe enzyme kinetics are invaluable predictive tools in numerous scientific fields. However, the daunting mathematical language used to describe kinetic behaviour can be confusing for life science students; they often struggle to conceptualize and relate the mathematical representations to the molecular phenomena occurring at both macroscopic and microscopic levels. Students with less developed abstract and mathematical thinking skills may benefit from a visual learning approach. The paucity of visual resources for enzyme kinetics makes this a fertile field for developing novel learning media. We discuss developing a 3D animation aimed at introducing key concepts of Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics to undergraduate life science students. This animation uses both realistic and metaphoric depictions of the underlying molecular players, environments, and interactions in enzyme kinetics to contextualize and explain the relationship between the mathematic models and underlying molecular system. In addition, we will present our production pipeline and workflow for creating educational animations as well as didactic strategies that maximize clarity and accessibility in animated media.