Molecular Modeling and Visualization Tools in Science Education

1
Molecular Modeling and Visualization Tools in
Science Education
NARST Convention Philadelphia, PA March 23, 2003

• ChemSense
• ChemViz
• Molecular Workbench
• Virtual Molecular Dynamics Lab

2
Why Do We Do This?

• Science learning is abstract especially when
  dealing with what we cannot see

• Computer modeling has provided a window to the
  unseen and transformed science research

• The GAP between the research lab and the
  science classroom is getting smaller

3
Boston UniversityVirtual Molecular Dynamics
Laboratory

• Simple Molecular Dynamics
• 2-D Lennard-Jones Potential models monoatomic
  gases with focus on quantitative tools
• Universal Molecular Dynamics
• 2- or 3-D interactive Square-Well Potential
  that models chemical reactions, polymers, or
  other complex intermolecular interactions
• Water
• 3-D ice/water network employing
  research-based models

4
Topics

• Temperature and States of Matter
• Ideal Gases
• Boyles Law
• Charles Law
• Avogadros Law
• Ideal Gas Law
• Daltons Law
• Real Gases
• Size of a molecule
• Molecule interaction parameter

• Energy and Intermolecular Forces
• Molecular Motion
• Grahams Law
• Distribution of molecular velocities
• Heat transfer
• Thermochemistry
• Phase transitions
• Solutions
• Molecular Biology
• Protein Folding
• DNA
• Membranes and Transport
• Water

5
Whats needed to make this work?

• Pedagogically sound software tools
• Appropriate linkages to wet labs
• Curriculum that is accessible
• Teacher professional development
• Teacher curriculum development
• Year-long teacher support
• Opportunities for student/teacher research
• After school or at-home reinforcement
• Student support and connections to scientists
• Education research and evaluation