Venom CoLab: Exploring the Science of Venom for Middle School Learners
摘要
Venom is a deadly adaptation that helps organisms thrive, but can also be separated into peptides and proteins with medically-relevant effects. Researchers studying venom have successfully used their understanding of these molecules to create drugs to treat health problems in humans. Inspired this field of study, Venom CoLab is a collaborative science experience for students in 6th to 8th grade (ages 11–14), where students take on roles as scientists. By completing activities on a website and in augmented reality (AR), each group studies a venomous organism (cone snails, scorpions, snakes, or sea anemones) to find new molecules to treat health problems such as pain, cancer, blood clotting, or autoimmune diseases. This demonstration will highlight how the project uses the website and augmented reality to support collaboration, implement interactive activities, and feature real scientists describing their work to encourage students’ interest and build skills in science.