Media

Videos for teaching with the MIT DNA and Proteins Sets  

Unlike most teaching aids, the MIT models are designed to teach what the molecules do, not just what molecules look like. These prototypes were created from LEGO components. They were made to be manipulated.  Students can perform the cell functions of DNA replication, mRNA transcription and tRNA translation. Chains of amino acids can be produced and folded into working protein shapes. These materials are in a pilot testing stage with MIT’s partners. The videos show how they can be used.

 

Video Lessions by Topics

Overview
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/25418-mit-dna-learning-center-set
Take a peek at these models for learning molecular biology! This introductory video for the DNA Learning Center Set shows students and adults modeling DNA structure, replication, repair, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), transcription, and translation; as well as protein structure and protein folding. The adults are from MIT’s Science and Engineering Program for Teachers (SEPT) in 2013, hosted by the MIT Scheller Teacher Education Program. The students are from the Biotechnology Program at Nashua High School North, NH.

Transcription
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/15466-transcription  (NOTE: Video has no sound)
This video demonstrates transcription with the DNA Learning Center Set. These models are designed to show both structure and function. Nucleotides pair with each other using the ball and basket joint. The gray subunits are the DNA nucleotides and the bright orange subunits are the RNA nucleotides. In transcription, a single stranded messenger RNA (a copy of the gene) is produced using the base pairing rules. The messenger RNA then exits the nucleus through a pore in the nuclear membrane. This video corresponds to DNA/RNA Booklet 1, pages 18-19.

Protein
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/15547-introduction-to-proteins-in-class-demo
This video is an introduction to proteins using the DNA Learning Center Set. Teachers should perform this demonstration in front of the class. Students will learn that the proteins in our bodies are made from the protein we eat. Different proteins can be created by changing the order of the amino acids in the protein chain.

DNA and Protein Sets
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/15491-introduction-to-dna-for-assembly-volunteers
This video explains the value of the DNA Learning Center Set to people who are volunteering to assemble sets for schools. The Set includes: DNA, RNA, proteins and tRNA molecules. How DNA produces a protein can be reenacted with these molecular models. 

Translation
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/15470-translation   (NOTE: This video has no sound.)
This video demonstrates translation with the DNA Learning Center Set. These models created from LEGO® are designed to show both structure and function. Nucleotides pair with each other using a quick release ball and basket joint. The bright orange subunits are the RNA nucleotides, and the large triangular pieces are the transfer RNA (tRNA) molecules. In translation, the ribosome produces proteins from the codes in the messenger RNA (mRNA). The tRNA molecules bind to the mRNA strand if their 3 letter codes match. The tRNA molecules arrive towing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. The amino acids join to form a protein chain and in the last step, the protein folds into its final shape. This video corresponds to tRNA Booklet 1, pages 4-24.
http://edgerton.mit.edu/k-12/teacher-resources/k-12-curriculum/dna-protein-and-trna/dna-protein-and-trna

Kit checks by Students
http://techtv.mit.edu/videos/15755-dna-rna-kit-check (NOTE: This video has no sound.)
This video demonstrates how to do a kit check for the DNA/RNA kits. This video corresponds to DNA/RNA Booklet 1, page 2.
http://edgerton.mit.edu/k-12/teacher-resources/k-12-curriculum/dna-protein-and-trna/dna-protein-and-trna

Animated version of Translation with an Interview on Popular Science with Dr. Vandiver 
http://www.popsci.com/scitech/article/2009-03/cellular-lego-animations  
How animations can be created with the molecular models.

 

Videos for teaching with the MIT Atoms and Molecules Sets

Partners in Environmental Public Health (PEPH) Webinar
 “Reaching Our STEM Potential”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2nfzRp30dBM 
“Understanding Air,“ a lesson from the Atoms and Molecules materials presented by Dr. Kathleen M. Vandiver, MIT COE2C Director.  Watch this 20 min webinar presentation about teaching with the MIT Atoms and Molecules Set.  Starts at 4:5 minute mark and ends at the 24:5 minute mark.  See why these teaching materials are effective.

Chemical Reactions
“Recognizing Chemical Reactions”
https://blossoms.mit.edu/videos/lessons/recognizing_chemical_reactions
What do all chemical reactions have in common?  This is an instructional video for students in the classroom but it has an unusual format.  The on-camera teacher (Dr. Kathleen M. Vandiver) has set up the lesson so that the video is paused occasionally. During the pause, the classroom teacher will lead a discussion or an activities which is described in the teacher’s guide. The lesson is a teacher duet.   The full lesson can be found at http://edgerton.mit.edu/atoms-molecules

Photosynthesis
“Roots, Shoots and Wood”
https://blossoms.mit.edu/videos/lessons/roots_shoots_and_wood
The topic of photosynthesis is a fundamental concept in biology, chemistry, and earth science.  Using the format described in  “Recognizing Chemical Reactions, ” the video uses LEGO bricks as atoms in an activity where students can show how carbon atoms become incorporated into plants. The full lesson can be found at http://edgerton.mit.edu/atoms-molecules