Food Science and Technology Department
Department of Food Science and Technology: Faculty Publications
Document Type
Article
Date of this Version
3-1-2021
Citation
American Biology Teacher (2021) 83(3): 188–190
Abstract
Effective laboratory and classroom demonstration of microbiome size and shape, diversity, and ecological relationships is hampered by a lack of high-resolution, easy-to-use, readily accessible physical or digital models for use in teaching. Three-dimensional (3D) representations are, overall, more effective in communicating visuospatial information, allowing for a better understanding of concepts not directly observable with the unaided eye. Published morphology descriptions and microscopy images were used as the basis for designing 3D digital models, scaled at 20,000×, using computer-aided design software (CAD) and generating printed models of bacteria on mass-market 3D printers. Sixteen models are presented, including rod-shaped, spiral, flask-like, vibroid, and filamentous bacteria as well as different arrangements of cocci. Identical model scaling enables direct comparison as well as design of a wide range of educational plans.
Included in
Bacteria Commons, Bacteriology Commons, Food Science Commons, Graphics and Human Computer Interfaces Commons, Hardware Systems Commons, Industrial and Product Design Commons, Medical Education Commons, Medical Microbiology Commons, Technology and Innovation Commons
Comments
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