Transcript Integration of Bioinformatics into Inquiry Based Learning

Integration of
Bioinformatics into
Inquiry Based Learning
by Kathleen Gabric
The Biology WorkBench is a revolutionary
web-based tool for biologists. The
WorkBench allows biologists to search
protein and DNA databases around the
world. Database searching is integrated with
access to a wide variety of analysis and
modeling tools, all within a point and click
interface.
bi·o·in·for·mat·ics
The use of mathematical and informational
techniques to solve biological problems by using
computer programs. One of the main applications of
bioinformatics is the data mining in and analysis of
the data gathered in genome projects. Other
applications are amino acid and nucleic acid
sequence alignment, protein structure prediction, and
virtual evolution.
Science Inquiry
The science and education communities agree
that investigative science is a highly effective
way to teach science. In this way, students build
their scientific understanding and investigative
skills through active inquiry, connecting their
previous knowledge with new ideas and
evidence.
•Design
•Investigate
•Construct meaning
•Connect
Sequencing DNA
Students learn about the Human Genome
project by using real data from Argonne
Laboratories.
 Dr. Kay, a father of a District 86 student, is
the contributing scientist.
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DNA Sequence
High School Freshmen use Biology Workbench
to help molecular biologist decide which amino
acids to mutate next. News at 11!
 Students identified amino acids
in a protein found in the
membrane of our nerve cells.
 Students are recruited to help
Steve in this part of his research.
 Students performed research
on receptors using the Biology
Workbench.
 Student research identified
important amino acids to
facilitate Steve's decision
as to which amino acids in the
receptor to mutate in the future.
NH2
E1
I
II
III
IV
D D
R
Y
I1
E3
E2
VI
V
I
I2
VII
K
K
L
K
K
I3
IN
Q
K
HOOC
OUT
N
Compiled Student Data and Results
Angiotensin Type-2 Receptor
amino acid sequence analysis
1
61
121
181
241
301
361
72
%
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tnsygknrit
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stlncsqkps
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lawmgvinsc
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aclsslptfy
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eviavidlal
kssslremet
qkgpkkvss 80
12
3
3
dryqsviypf lsqrrnpwqa 160
141
% 62
71
21
53
3
3
30
3
3
27
9
24
rkhllk tnsygknrit rdqvlk 256
235
% 3
6 9 6
6
3
Basis of Human Genetic Diseases
Students identified genes that were linked to human
disease states.
Students used bioinformatic
tools to identify the disease
process from gene to protein
to disease state.
Students created a website to
display their research.
Student Projects on
Genetic Diseases
Outcomes & Observations
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Understood the basis of human genetic
diseases.
Connected symptoms to biochemical imbalance
Predicted means of treatment
Understood the difference between treatment of
symptoms and curing the disease
Realized the power of bioinformatics and how
they could use it in future research……Evolution
College Feedback
Hi Kathleen:
Thank you for your e-mail and your comments on the ABT
paper. The web site looks great! The level and quality of the
student work is really impressive! In fact you've taught me a
few things about what I might try with my students here.
All the best,
Mike
Michael A. Palladino
[email protected]
Student Projects on
Evolution
Outcomes & Observations
Understood the basis of evolution on a genetic
level.
 Correlated genetic evolution to organismal
evolution.
 Realized that “our”
similarities are greater
than our differences.
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Overall Outcomes and Observations
•Integration of bioinformatics into the
high school classroom using inquiry
methods was successful.
•Students were able to use the tools to
generate real data, but more
importantly were able to apply these
applications and independently
problem solve.
•Students showed a greatly increased ability to make connections
between units of study: protein structure, protein function,
nucleic acids, genetics, genetic disease, and evolution.
•Students performed research that will be used to guide future
research in UIUC’s cell & molecular biology laboratory.
Student Comments on Biology Workbench
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Even though it was quite confusing at times, Bio-Workbench was highly
beneficial to our learning experience. It was interesting to use the same
computers that real scientists used to do their research. The using of
bioinformatics was key in the expansion of our minds.
It helped us get more involved with the concepts we were learning since it
made everything more realistic
It helped save time and make information clearer to me. it also gave me
visuals for things that I wouldn’t have been able to picture from just
reading about, it helped me understand amino acid sequences a lot.
It has allowed us to connect DNA to real life. We are able to see how little
a change in DNA how great a change they could have upon the final
product.
Thanks to the Hardworking
Biology Classes of 2002 & 2003
To see the projects they have done with bioinformatics visit our website
http://cstaff.hinsdale86.org/~kgabric/HBprojects.html
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Sequencing DNA and product identification
Translation and Disease
Analysis of Angiotensin amongst vertebrates
Analysis of various G-proteins for future research possibilities.
Genetic Disease Research Project
Determination of Evolutionary Relationships between selected organisms.