| Project | BioBLAST |
| Contact | Laurie F. Ruberg |
| lruberg@cotf.edu | |
| URL | http://www.cotf.edu/BioBLAST |
| Project description | BioBLAST is an inquiry-based curriculum-supplement that incorporates NASA’s science and technology research. The QuickTime Virtual Reality interface is designed to draw students into the problem-solving scenario. Students blast-off on a virtual trip to the moon where they will live and work in a fully-equipped lunar habitat. In this virtual reality setting, student researchers use the simulation tools and electronic resources available to design a biologically-regenerative life support system that can support humans in space for long periods of time. One of the key aspects of the BioBLAST program is that the simulation models are based on current data gathered from NASA life sciences research that is currently underway. Each of the four simulations has been designed to encourage students to investigate hypothetical questions that could not readily be tested in traditional bench-top lab experiments. Students can view, export, and manipulate the data used in the simulations to test their own hypotheses as well as examine the limits and potential of the simulation model. |
| Theoretical background | Our project is built upon the recommendations for reforming biology teaching outlined by the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) in the 1995 report called, “Redesigning the Science Curriculum.” Robert Tinker, Rodger Bybee, Susan Sprague, and other contributing authors provide a set of suggestions for reform that emphasizes a student-centered approach, more opportunities for student participation, active engagement in the process of science, and getting students involved in authentic research investigations. The BioBLAST traditional lab experiments, simulations, QuickTime Virtual Reality interface, and Internet links with active life science researchers were designed to give students a set of tools and resources at their disposal that could both interest them and support them as they initiate their own research. The challenge to find a way to support humans in space is designed to provide a context oriented towards the future--the world in which students will live and work. We were influenced early on in our design by the work and ideas of Paul Horwitz with BBN. Dialogue with him encouraged us to design more open-ended models and to include an arcade-style game as an orientation activity to the program as a means to stimulate and engage students--especially students who were non-traditional learners. We were also influenced by researchers already working with NASA to create innovative simulations and applications of Virtual Reality such as Bowen Loftin, Jon Erickson, and Robert Savely. |
| Challenges | Teachers participating in the formative evaluation of the BioBLAST software and related materials have shown that there are many alternative ways of using the program. This is both a blessing and a challenge. Students who lack the basic science and math knowledge required for successfully applying the resources and tools in this program may not be prepared for the kind of problem-solving activities presented. Another challenge is developing accurate, realistic simulations that address current research areas. The availability of scientific data is not consistent across all content components of the model. In some cases the research is underway, but the data are either not yet published or are incomplete relative to other components of the model. Another related problem is that multiple solutions are being researched simultaneously, and the research represented in the model may provide too simplistic a portrait. The same reasons that make working on a current problem exciting and timely also create challenges for developing simulation models. |
| Partnership | We would like to be able to compare our software materials with others who are working in this same or related area. We would also like to share ideas with others regarding alternative assessment tools that incorporate the simulation and modeling tools. |