Center for Biomolecular Modeling
"At the Center for BioMolecular Modeling (CBM), teachers truly do come first. We work closely with talented science educators from across the USA to create innovative instructional materials that make the molecular world real for students.
Synergy between Physical Models and Computer Visualization Tools
We believe that the invisible world of molecules becomes real when students have an opportunity to hold physical models in their hands. This is true for flexible models made from Toobers, or accurate models made by rapid prototyping technologies. In both cases, the physical models function as thinking tools that stimulate questions that are then addressed using computer visualization tools."
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Jmol TutorialsJmol tutorials run in the web browser window. Current tutorials include an introduction to amino acids, GFP, hemoglobin, and acetylcholinesterase.
DNA Origami
Here are several links to websites that contain DNA "origami" exercises. Most of the information can be downloaded as a PDF.
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Origami DNA Model InstructionsOn the upper right side of this dnai.org website is a box titled "DNA Origami Model". Click on the round "Instructions" button to download a clearly illustrated, 5-page primer on how to create DNA origami. Developed by Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories and funded by HHMI.
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Origami DNA Classroom ActivityA great education website, yourgenome.org. The support materials are an icon you click on the right. The whole website is worth a look!
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Inside DNAA fantastic website from the UK covering a variety of DNA and genomic topics. Tons of resources and ideas for teachers.
Books
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The Machinery of Life by ISBN: 0387982736"the drawings are among the most instructive one can find in structural biology, and the mechanisms of life are elegantly explained ... The genius of the book is in its simplicity ... a fresh and engaging book..." Nature "an impressive and original book...Elaborate and fascinating drawings present crowded sections of living cells..." Scientific American
Games!
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Fold ItFold It is a revolutionary computer game that enables students of all ages to contribute to important scientific research. Fold It was developed by the Rosetta@Home team under the direction of Dr. David Baker at the University of Washington.
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Immune Attack!Now, for the very first time, students can learn about innate immunity painlessly. Well, not without repeatedly dying virtual deaths in virtual exploding fireballs. But now immunity, and the cell biology and the protein biochemistry involved in immune reactions are presented to students in an familiar format: the video game. And importantly, video game action can be created that is true to science.
Websites and Animations
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RCSB Protein Data BankThe RCSB PDB provides a variety of tools and resources. Users can perform simple and advanced searches based on annotations relating to sequence, structure and function. These molecules are visualized, downloaded, and analyzed by users who range from students to specialized scientists.
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Molecule of the MonthThe RCSB PDB Molecule of the Month by David S. Goodsell (The Scripps Research Institute and the RCSB PDB) presents short accounts on selected molecules from the Protein Data Bank. Each installment includes an introduction to the structure and function of the molecule, a discussion of the relevance of the molecule to human health and welfare, and suggestions for how visitors might view these structures and access further details.
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Molecular WorkbenchConcord Consortium's software and curricula for understanding molecules. The Molecular Workbench modules are being rewritten to be platform independent and thus will work in a browser and on iPads (2014).
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Rosetta@HomeRosetta@home needs your help to determine the 3-dimensional shapes of proteins in research that may ultimately lead to finding cures for some major human diseases. By running the Rosetta program on your computer while you don't need it you will help us speed up and extend our research in ways we couldn't possibly attempt without your help. You will also be helping our efforts at designing new proteins to fight diseases such as HIV, Malaria, Cancer, and Alzheimer's
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John Kyrk's Cell Biology AnimationsExcellent animations which build layer upon layer to explain basic cell biology concepts. Extremely well done.
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HHMI BioInteractive-DNA AnimationsVideo animations of replication, transcription, and translation plus DNA packaging, PCR, and more.
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MolviZ.Org Molecular Visualization Resources by Eric MartzJmol tutorials on DNA, hemoglobin, antibodies, lipid membranes, water, and more
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The Online Macromolecular MuseumA website with excellent macromolecular visualization with accompanying explanations of how the molecule functions.
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Venom and proteins explained by Arizona State UniversityWhat are proteins? How does shape matter? Learn the basics and try an amino acid origami challenge.
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Protein Art: art inspired by molecular structuresdrawings by a scientist who is passionate about proteins
Article on protein folding for students
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PDF-Article: Unravelling the mystery of protein foldingFASEB sponsored article by W.A. Thomasson written for general audiences. Covers several examples with connections to diseases. Undated-estimate 1998.