In our three-dimensional world, one can plot, see, and comprehend a function of two variables at most, V(x,y). One cannot plot a function of three or more variables. For this reason, visualization of the potential energy function in its full dimensionality is impossible even for the smallest polyatomic molecules, such as triatomics. This creates…

An upper-division undergraduate laboratory experiment is described that explores the structure/function relationship of protein domains, namely leucine zippers, through a molecular graphics computer program and physical models fabricated by 3D printing. By generating solvent accessible surfaces and color-coding hydrophobic, basic, and acidic amino…

Technology can be useful in physics classrooms, though teachers must be careful not to let technology remove students from first-hand experiences with nature through observation and experimentation. The paper examines how to enhance physics instruction using computers as graphing tools, for data collection, and as real-world simulators. (SM)