The use of 3-D modeling and printing to teach the central dogma of molecular biology

ABSTRACT

Molecular processes are highly complex, and are frequently difficult for high school and college students to comprehend. Because of the importance of visualization in learning, along with formative assessment of student understanding, utilization of 3D modeling software aids both educators and students alike. The activity described below required non-science majors in a college-level general education biology class to build a model of the central dogma of molecular biology and the relationships between DNA, RNA, and protein using the TinkerCad website, and describe their model in relation to the cellular processes. Examples of student work are included, along with a discussion of the application to high school students, connections to the NGSS, and future directions for the activity.

Keywords:

• Modeling
• science education
• pedagogy
• 3D printing

Disclosure statement

No potential competing interest was reported by the author.