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