Category Archives: Teaching – learning materials

Virtual Fly Brain

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Rating: Very Good

Strong Points: Easy to use, tutorials and demonstration videos are available

Weak Points: The new version of the website is still in beta testing

www.virtualflybrain.org

The common fruit fly, Drosophila melan­ogaster, is an important model organism, particularly in neuroscience research. The Virtual Fly Brain is an excellent resource for researchers who need to closely ex­amine the fly’s neuroanatomy. Users can select an area from an image of an adult fly brain to discover more information about it, including a detailed description of the area, any synonyms used to describe it, and links to references. There is also a search feature for users who know the name of their brain region of interest but not its location. Additionally, image and template data are available for download. The current website only includes information for the adult fly brain, but an updated version including larval information is currently in testing and available for users to peruse. The Virtual Fly Brain is an excellent resource for neuroscientists using Drosophila to interrogate the structure and function of the brain.

Source: GenEngNews, Jan. 2019, vol. 39 (1)  “Best of the Web”

CRISPR — HOW IT WORKS, an animation from HHMI

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Summary

Explore this dynamic interactive to learn the basic principles of how this revolutionary tool works and the many ways in which scientists are using it in their research.

Start Click & Learn

Since it was first described in 2012, CRISPR-Cas9 (often shortened to “CRISPR”) has generated much interest both for its exciting potential for treating genetic disease and potential ethical and safety concerns, such as by creating “designer babies” or “superhumans.” So far, CRISPR-based technologies are having the biggest impact in research laboratories where they are applied to a broad range of biological studies. These technologies are relatively cheap, easy to use, and allow researchers to ask new questions and get results faster than previously possible.

The CRISPR-Cas9: Mechanism & Applications interactive allows students to explore and learn about a biotechnology tool that is at the forefront of scientific research and hear directly from leading researchers about how they use CRISPR. It consists of a self-paced interactive animation and a series of short videos of different scientists who are using CRISPR-Cas9 technologies for basic research, medical, and agricultural applications.

In addition to the interactive, we’ve compiled a set of images, animations, and GIFs for use on social media, in the classroom, and for presentations to the public. Please credit HHMI BioInteractive when you use them.

Source: The BioInteractive Team <biointeractive@hhmi.org>

How to Write a Good Scientific Paper by Chris A. Mack…free download

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SPIE Press has published a book that should be valuable to all students and faculty in science and engineering: How to Write a Good Scientific Paper by Chris A. Mack.

We are pleased to announce that it is available, for personal use only, at no charge as a PDF eBook, with the link at the book’s web page.

Alternatively anyone can order How to Write a Good Scientific Paper from SPIE’s Bookstore as a softcover book.

Princeton University Library has a link to the online version here:

https://catalog.princeton.edu/catalog/10712422

From the description:  “This book is all about teaching the style and conventions of writing for a peer-reviewed scientific journal. From structure to style, titles to tables, abstracts to author lists, this book gives practical advice about the process of writing a paper and getting it published”.

Contents:Preface — Chapter 1. Getting started — Chapter 2. Structure and organization — Chapter 3. Language and style — Chapter 4. Figures and tables — Chapter 5. Citations — Chapter 6. Abstract and title — Chapter 7. What an editor looks for — Chapter 8. Picking the right journal — Chapter 9. Cover letter — Chapter 10. The editorial review process — Chapter 11. Review articles — Chapter 12. The ethics of scientific publication — Chapter 13. Authorship — Chapter 14. Plagiarism — Chapter 15. Double publication — Chapter 16. Editorial ethics — Appendix: A checklist for editors, reviewers, and authors.

 

Human Anatomy Atlas 2018

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URL:http://apple.co/2De3BmW
  • Excellent (4 stars)
  • Great design and user interface (Strong points)
  • None (Weak points)
Platform: iPhone/iPad/Android (2017 version available)  
Cost:Free

“Human Anatomy Atlas 2018 is an excellent app that brings human anatomy to life. The app has beautifully rendered 3D images of the major anatomical systems that can be explored and dissected from the interface. However, the really interesting part of the app comes with the Augmented Reality feature. By allowing the app to use your phone’s camera, it finds a surface in your environment and places the anatomical model there, giving the impression that it is right in the room with you. This feature also allows the user to “dissect” the anatomical model, making this an incredibly useful accompaniment for anyone studying human anatomy. Human Anatomy Atlas 2018 is an incredibly designed and executed app that is not only informative but fascinating and fun to use, without the formaldehyde smell that typically permeates such an in-depth look at human anatomy.”

https://www.genengnews.com/best-science-apps/human-anatomy-atlas-2018/448

Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology News,  January 01, 2018 (Vol. 38, No. 1)

Best Science Apps

BioSciEdNet — the BEN Portal, catalyst for teaching & learning in the biosciences

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“
BEN Portal: BioSciEdNet Science
www.biosciednet.org/portal
Originally featured in the 01-18-2013 Scout Report, we’ve decided to re-feature the BEN Portal: a project of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). For almost two decades the BEN Portal, which stands for BiosciEdNet, has sought to provide “seamless access to e-resources, but to also serve as a catalyst for strengthening teaching and learning in the biological sciences.” Today, the BEN Portal (which has also been affiliated with the National Science Digital Library since 2005) features publications from over thirty organizations, including the AAAS, the American Physiological Society, the Biotechnology Institute, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and much more. Visitors are invited to conduct a text search in this collection or browse materials by subject. In addition, educators can browse teaching strategies by classroom level (K-12 educators; college faculty). The BEN Portal features both free resources and resources that require a subscription: users have the option to limit search results to free resources. [MMB]

Source:  Scout Report, Dec. 1, 2017 (direct quote)

Come hear about IOP Concise Physics e-books — Lewis 225 Friday noon

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On behalf of Morgan & Claypool Publishers, we would like to invite you to please join us

for a publishing presentation featuring the IOP Concise Physics e-Book collection.

Friday, October 13th at 12:15 PM

Lunch to Follow

Lewis Library (Room 225)

Joel Claypool (Vice President & Publisher) and Susanne Filler (Executive Editor) will:

  • Present the current state of the print and digital publishing industry
  • Demonstrate the industry-leading multimedia capabilities of the award-winning collection published in partnership with the Institute of Physics (IOP)
  • Discuss the publishing process from the initial proposal stage through to final publication

In 2014, Morgan & Claypool Publishers partnered with the Institute of Physics Publishing (IOPP) to establish the IOP Concise Physics series, which is an award-winning collection of e-books written for students, teachers, and researchers. The IOP digital library has a growing worldwide dissemination via IOP’s large network of libraries and consortia, with over 600 institutions having unlimited access including Princeton University via:

https://pulsearch.princeton.edu/catalog?q1=IOP+concise+physics.&f1=in_series&search_field=advanced

The books within this series are intended to be shorter works (approximately 60-150 pages) with rapid publication timeframes.  Highlights include:

  • Full color in the print and e-book formats available for multiple e-reader devices
  • Multimedia capabilities such as unlimited videos and animations and no DRM
  • 115 published books with 250-plus manuscripts currently in development on emerging topics, cutting edge research, and innovative teaching methods

The IOP Concise Physics collection is actively seeking new book projects, and Joel Claypool and Susanne Filler would be happy to discuss this opportunity with you as well as elaborate on the expedited publishing process and streamlined workflow from the initial proposal stage through to final publication

For additional information about IOP Concise Physics, please visit

morganclaypoolpublishers.com/iop  /  iopscience.org

For additional books by Morgan & Claypool, please visit: http://library.princeton.edu/resource/4329

Please contact Susanne Filler at filler@morganclaypool.com / 908-630-7188 with any questions.

Earth Primer (fun) and Map of Life (for citizen science)

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Best Apps for Teaching & Learning 2016 | American Association of School Librarians (AASL)
Earth Primer by Chaim Gingold

Level: Elementary and Middle School
Platform: iOS money icon

Website external link icon

Earth Primer is a cross between an intro to earth science textbook and an interactive sandbox game. This creative application allows students to play with the powerful concepts that make up the physical aspects of our planet. Manipulate glaciers, volcanoes, biomes, weather systems, and more and experience how all of these structures combine to affect the makeup of our awesome planet.

Tip: Use Earth Primer to reinforce content in an earth science class.

app icon

Map of Life by Map of Life

Level: Middle School, High School
Platform: iOS | Android

Website external link icon

Map of Life is a field guide applicable to anywhere in the world. Search species by category and/or location, and contribute to the map by recording your sightings in your location. Several categories of species are represented, such as trees, mammals, birds, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Choose a type of species and view images, read about characteristics and habitat, and view a map showing range. Helps with conservation efforts worldwide!

Tip: Great application for classes using GIS data. Use Map of Life on science field trips to report wildlife and to identify plants and animals.

 

Viral Zone Best of the Web, Genetic Engng & Biotech News

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BestWeb_ViralZoneSource: | Best of the Web | GEN ViralZone |

Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News//

Jun 15, 2016 (Vol. 36, No. 12)

“Do you know your DNA viruses from your RNA viruses, and can you spot a retrotranscribing virus when you see one? If not, the ViralZone from the Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics is a fantastic web resource for virologists and other scientists who use viral tools in their research. ViralZone includes description pages for over 500 viruses, and site visitors can access these pages either by a targeted search for a specific virus or by browsing the virus pages by a virus’ Baltimore classification, host, or virion. The website also includes a great deal of general information about viral molecular biology, including topics such as virus entry/exit, replication, and genome evolution. On the homepage, site visitors will find a news section (including a weekly podcast) so that they can keep up to date on the latest viral happenings.”

 

 

Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet

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Source:  The Scout Report — Volume 22, Number 16

scout@scout.wisc.edu

  
climate.nas= a.gov/climate_resource_center/interactives
“NASA’ s Global Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet website features a diverse set of resources related to the measurement, analysis, and dangers of global climate change. Here readers will find a collection of Interactive Features all designed to bring to life the sometimes abstract conclusions of scientific articles on climate and its effects on human and other life on Earth. For example, the Climate Time Machine allows readers to go backward and forward through four different key climate indicators, including Sea Ice, Sea Level, Carbon Dioxide, and Global Temperature. Perfect for educators who are looking for impactful visual representations of the rising temperatures on the planet, the interactive makes these measurements visceral in a way that charts and graphs are seldom able to do. Other interactives on the page include the Global Ice Viewer, Quizzes, The Sun: A Virtual Tour, The Water Cycle, and others. [CNH]”

VIRTUAL TEXTBOOK OF ORGANIC CHEMISTRY

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Virtual Textbook of Organic Chemistry  
www2.chemistry.msu.edu/faculty/reusch/VirtTxtJml/intro1.htm
William H. Reusch, emeritus professor at Michigan State University, published his Introduction to Organic Chemistry in 1977. Readers may purchase it for a list price of $137.74; or they may access the Virtual Textbook of Organic Chemistry, which contains nearly the same information online, for free, on this surprisingly comprehensive website. Here readers will find a fully operational organic chemistry textbook, divided into the two overarching topics of General Principles and Functional Group Reactions. Within General Principles, readers will learn the basics of Structure & Bonding, Intermolecular Forces, Chemical Reactivity, Aromaticity, and other subjects. Functional Group Reactions covers Alkanes, Alkenes, Alkynes, Alcohols, and many other subjects. For readers looking for a comprehensive, freely available organic chemistry textbook, this site will be a true boon. [CNH]”

Source:  The Scout Report, Univ. of Wisconsin, Jan. 22, 2016

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