Three novel science activities relating to the structure of the atom, bioinformatics, and the denaturation of protein

Abstract

This paper describes three novel activities that were designed to teach difficult scientific concepts to a wide age range of students (7th through 11th grade). The subject of the three activities include the structure of the atom, bioinformatics, and protein denaturation. Each section within the paper includes background information and material lists necessary for the activity, in addition to a procedure and reflection. The two models of learning used to analyze the activities were Bloom's Taxonomy and the Constructivist Theory. In Bloom's Taxonomy, there are six levels in the Cognitive domain: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation (in order from lowest to highest). As a student progresses from the lower levels to the higher levels, their comprehension and mastery of the subject increases. According to Constructivism, a learner needs to be active in the learning process so that they can give meaning to their experiences. This happens when the learner reconciles their experiences to something they previously held to be true.