MoleculeCrafter is a novel tool that facilitates the custom creation of flexible and modular macromolecular model kits. These models support student chemical education by providing a manipulable and visuospatial tool to facilitate exploration of chemical structures and their interactions. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate using…

Three-dimensional (3D) pens are emerging educational tools that enable users to create tangible, freeform 3D printed models. However, their pedagogical potential in science education remains underexplored. This study examined preservice teachers' experiences using 3D pens to create models for primary biology and chemistry education, focusing on…

Learning to write chemical formulas of compounds is a basic and indispensable part of understanding and studying chemistry. However, it is hard for students with visual impairment to assess and learn molecular arrangements and formulas. For the convenience of such students with special needs, it is necessary to come up with easy, comprehensive,…

Sets of models of molecules (which are of interest for teaching molecular structure, symmetry, and related topics in many chemical disciplines) were prepared and made available either for self-directed 3D-printing or through the 3D-printing company Shapeways providing 3D-printing as a service. This allows teachers to save time on searching for…

Protein ORIGAMI (http://ibg.kit.edu/protein_origami) is a browser-based web application that allows the user to create straightforward 3D paper models of folded peptides for research, teaching and presentations. An amino acid sequence can be turned into a-helices, ß-strands and random coils that can be printed out and folded into properly scaled…

Data visualization is a core component of every scientific project; however, generation of physical models previously depended on expensive or labor-intensive molding, sculpting, or laser sintering techniques. Physical models have the advantage of providing not only visual but also tactile modes of inspection, thereby allowing easier visual…