Students have a difficult time visualizing complex biological structures and understanding how the shapes of these structures relate to their function. This is especially true when a number of structures are spatially integrated in order to produce a single function or complex changes in shape are necessary to perform a function. To address this problem, three-dimensional models of biological structures are being animated and rendered onto video format. Text descriptions of the objects and events occurring within the animation are linked via a hypermedia system to provide additional information about these structures and events as requested by the student. Various other forms of related information such as time lapse video, electron micrographs, serial sections etc., are also available to the student within the hypermedia framework. During the grant period a three- dimensional model of a cell and its organelles is being created, and an animation of a journey around each organelle within the cell is being linked through a hypermedia system to a text description of each structure or event. Also an animation depicting gametogenesis and fertilization is being produced and linked to text descriptions and other related media forms through a hypermedia system. The animations and related media data bases are being used in teaching Introductory Biology and Developmental Biology. The ability of students to conceptualize and utilize the information presented by the animation/hypermedia format will be evaluated by comparison with student progress from previous years. Students will also be examined on their ability to visualize the spatial relationships of cellular components as they relate to biological events. The animations will be made available to other institutions by distributions on CD's and made compatible with available hypermedia systems. The animations will also be used as demonstrations in local high school and middle school science classes. The teachers of these classes will evaluate the use of this technology to interest and stimulate students in the secondary education system. It is hoped that three-dimensional animations will provide students with a much better view of the structure and dynamic nature of biology. It is also hoped that the use of the additional information sources through the hypermedia will encourage students, of all ages, to ask questions and learn to investigate in a very non-threatening and personal environment.
