CELLTASIA
Exploring Cellular Processes
Through
The Arts
http://biomafia-biology.blogspot.com/2008/01/cell-growth-and-division-definitions.html
Robin Cook Hill, PhD
Assistant Professor of Developmental Biology
The University of Virginia’s College at Wise
“Molecules in the cell encounter each other very frequently because
of their continual random thermal movements. Colliding molecules
with poorly matching surfaces form few noncovalent bonds with one
another, and the two molecules dissociate as rapidly as they come
together”
(Alberts, Molecular Biology of the Cell, 5th edition, pg.157)
 Terminology
Thermal movements
Noncovalent bonds
Dissociate
 Structures
Molecules
Surfaces
 Processes
Colliding molecules
Bond formation
Rapid dissociation
(Turro, 2005)
Goals:
1)
2)
3)
4)
Deeper understanding of course material
Time to prepare for the final
Review of basic course concepts
De-stress and fun
Inner Life of the Cell
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrXykvorybo
http://www.offthemark.com/cartoons/stages/
http://www.maniacworld.com/inner-life-of-a-cell.html
Cell Topics Assigned
Active Transport
Apoptosis
Cell Membrane
Chromosome
Cytoskeleton
Enzymes
Mitochondria
Mitosis
Nucleus
Transcriptional factors
Glycolysis
Active transport
Vesicular transport
Signaling pathways
Activated carrier molecules
Transcription factors
Questionnaire Results
1)
Time Investment
Less than two hours:
Two to five hours:
Five to eight hours:
More than eight hours:
3
16
20
16
2)
Origin of Idea
Class Lecture:
Textbook:
Previous Interest:
Other:
10
7
11
27
3)
Anticipated Grade
A:
B:
C:
D:
F:
93% (56%)
5% (24%)
2% (4%)
0% (4%)
0% (12%)
Likert Scale for question 4 (A-F)
Seven Point scale
Not at all – Entirely Dependent
A) Use of primary sources:
4.3
B) Helpfulness of an artistic or other talent:
4.7
C) Usefulness of textbook:
5.3
D) Usefulness of notes/power-points:
5.3
E) Assistance in preparing project:
2.6
F) Did your project to understanding of course material:
5.7
“Absolutely wonderful! I can really think of no suggestions. The project
in its entirety, I feel, is a great success. It gives us as students a chance
to relax and have fun, while being able to not only to learn but showcase
Our hidden talents. “Cell-tasia” greatly impacted my view on Cell Biology as
a class. Biology isn’t some boring subject about abstract things; it is the
proven, although viewed as theoretical, way that the body is composed and
functions. This class greatly contributed to my passion to become a doctor,
and without it I could still be wondering…..is this what I want to do?”
“The due dates on the reports helped me to think about my project ahead of time
instead of waiting until the last minute”.
“Get the faculty more involved. It’s always fun and encouraging to see a teacher
getting involved with the students”.
“Celltasia really helps you understand the world of a cell right before the final”.
“Be passionate; enjoy researching and learning about the material”.
“When presenting your project, make sure the materials you are using are clear
and the audience understands what concept you are trying to convey”.
“Brainstorm and don’t rule out “crazy” projects because they are the projects
everyone remembers”
“Try using an artistic medium that is completely new to you. It will force you to
think of your topic from a different perspective and help you understand it more
thoroughly”.
“Definitely test your materials way ahead of time to make sure they work!”
“The only thing that may help would be some way of ensuring that the students
take the presentations more seriously.”
“Less flexibility, choice of an artistic medium for presentations. Impossible to have
useful grading rubric for many different forms of art. I felt the absence of a definite
system of how I was evaluated was very frustrating in preparation (although I got
an A). Would have done a better job if given a definite objective. I felt some people
were given good grades for what I felt were bad presentations and visa-versa”.
“While having food is enjoyable, I feel as though those who made food for their project
don’t contribute as much as others with an actual demonstration/presentation. Also,
I felt as though I understood the concepts that were put forth via a presentation much
more than when someone just made a cake with a diagram on it, etc…..”
Sources
Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, Raff M, Roberts, K and Walter P. (2008) Molecular
Biology of the Cell, 5th edition. New York; Garland Science.
Turro, N.J. (2005) Molecular structure as a blueprint for supramolecular structure
chemistry in confined spaces. PNAS 109 (5):10766-10770.