CELLTASIAExploring Cellular Processes

ThroughThe Arts

http://biomafia-biology.blogspot.com/2008/01/cell-growth-and-division-definitions.html

Robin Cook Hill, PhDAssistant Professor of Developmental BiologyThe University of Virginia’s College at Wise

“Molecules in the cell encounter each other very frequently becauseof their continual random thermal movements. Colliding molecules with poorly matching surfaces form few noncovalent bonds with oneanother, and the two molecules dissociate as rapidly as they come together”

(Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition, pg.157)

Terminology Thermal movements

Noncovalent bondsDissociate

Structures MoleculesSurfaces

Processes Colliding moleculesBond formationRapid dissociation

(Turro, 2005)

Goals:

1)Deeper understanding of course material2)Time to prepare for the final 3)Review of basic course concepts4)De-stress and fun

http://www.offthemark.com/cartoons/stages/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrXykvoryboInner Life of the Cell

http://www.maniacworld.com/inner-life-of-a-cell.html

Cell Topics Assigned

Active Transport Apoptosis

Cell Membrane Chromosome

Cytoskeleton Enzymes

Mitochondria Mitosis

Nucleus Transcriptional factors

Glycolysis Active transport

Vesicular transport Signaling pathways

Activated carrier molecules Transcription factors

Questionnaire Results1)Time Investment

Less than two hours: 3Two to five hours: 16Five to eight hours: 20More than eight hours: 16

2)Origin of IdeaClass Lecture: 10Textbook: 7Previous Interest: 11Other: 27

3)Anticipated GradeA: 93% (56%)B: 5% (24%)C: 2% (4%)D: 0% (4%)F: 0% (12%)

Likert Scale for question 4 (A-F)Seven Point scaleNot at all – Entirely Dependent

A) Use of primary sources: 4.3

B) Helpfulness of an artistic or other talent: 4.7

C) Usefulness of textbook: 5.3

D) Usefulness of notes/power-points: 5.3

E) Assistance in preparing project: 2.6 F) Did your project to understanding of course material: 5.7

“Absolutely wonderful! I can really think of no suggestions. The projectin its entirety, I feel, is a great success. It gives us as students a chanceto relax and have fun, while being able to not only to learn but showcase Our hidden talents. “Cell-tasia” greatly impacted my view on Cell Biology asa class. Biology isn’t some boring subject about abstract things; it is the proven, although viewed as theoretical, way that the body is composed and functions. This class greatly contributed to my passion to become a doctor, and without it I could still be wondering…..is this what I want to do?”

“The due dates on the reports helped me to think about my project ahead of timeinstead of waiting until the last minute”.

“Get the faculty more involved. It’s always fun and encouraging to see a teacher getting involved with the students”.

“Celltasia really helps you understand the world of a cell right before the final”.

“Be passionate; enjoy researching and learning about the material”.

“When presenting your project, make sure the materials you are using are clearand the audience understands what concept you are trying to convey”.

“Brainstorm and don’t rule out “crazy” projects because they are the projects everyone remembers”

“Try using an artistic medium that is completely new to you. It will force you to think of your topic from a different perspective and help you understand it morethoroughly”.

“Definitely test your materials way ahead of time to make sure they work!”

“The only thing that may help would be some way of ensuring that the studentstake the presentations more seriously.”

“Less flexibility, choice of an artistic medium for presentations. Impossible to haveuseful grading rubric for many different forms of art. I felt the absence of a definitesystem of how I was evaluated was very frustrating in preparation (although I got an A). Would have done a better job if given a definite objective. I felt some peoplewere given good grades for what I felt were bad presentations and visa-versa”.

“While having food is enjoyable, I feel as though those who made food for their projectdon’t contribute as much as others with an actual demonstration/presentation. Also, I felt as though I understood the concepts that were put forth via a presentation much more than when someone just made a cake with a diagram on it, etc…..”

Sources

Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts, K and Walter P. (2008) Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition. New York; Garland Science.

Turro, N.J. (2005) Molecular structure as a blueprint for supramolecular structure chemistry in confined spaces. PNAS 109 (5):10766-10770.