This interactive incorporates engaging 3D-models of viruses that students can click on to rotate and view from different angles. In the process they will learn about the criteria that scientists use to classify viruses, the characteristics of different viruses, and the global prevalence of viral infections. A link to an illustration of the relative sizes of viruses provides an opportunity to discuss scale and units. An accompanying PDF worksheet is provided for students to complete as they go through the Click and Learn.
The content which is shown in this animation is appropriate for understanding structure of virus, diversity of viruses, genome size of disease-causing viruses, transmission of viruses from one host to another and prophylaxis on basis of vaccination availability. The learning is also interdisciplinary in nature - as it supported by both visual animations with examples of various viruses.
Type of Material:
Tutorial
Recommended Uses:
In-class, homework, online or face to face.
Technical Requirements:
Browser
Identify Major Learning Goals:
After completing this activity, students should be able to:
Develop visual models to compare and contrast viruses that are often mentioned in the news or used in research.
Use evidence to justify the claim that a variety of viruses exists and each type of virus has unique characteristics.
Construct mathematical models using scales and units to illustrate the diversity in the size of viruses.
Target Student Population:
High School, College General Ed, College Lower Division and specific courses on Virology.
Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:
Knowledge of basic biology, and DNA/RNA especially would be vital.
Content Quality
Rating:
Strengths:
The 3D images are accurate and exceptionally well rendered
A cross seciton image is also available to show the layers and genetic material of each virus
A great sample of viral diversity is presented
About sections explain some of the variety of virus function
A chart allows easy scale comparison between different viruses
Each virus shown includes information about its structure, function, prevalence, host, and the existence of a vaccine
Concerns:
Terms are not all explained
Some of the illustrations use concepts and terms that would be difficult for many students without definitions
Some types of viruses are not represented (e.g., Mimiviridae or any virus of protists)
The material in this resource varies in depth and sophistication (e.g., the explanation of vaccines is at a much lower level than the description of the genomes of the viruses)
Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool
Rating:
Strengths:
The images all loaded
A "percent complete" number is provided as the 3D images load
The site would be a great resource for students in a microbiology class who are studying viruses
A PDF worksheet is provided with basic questions about viruses and some calculations using concepts of scale
Learning outcomes are provided
Concerns:
The lack of explanation of terms and concepts would render this resource useful only for the 3D images
The resource does not appear to lead to successful realization of all the stated learning outcomes (this is partly due to the choice of "Bloom" verbs)
The worksheet provided focuses largely on recall of facts
Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty
Rating:
Strengths:
The 3D images all loaded quickly and smoothly
Navigation is easy and intuitive
The worksheet is easy to access
Concerns:
The key concepts, definitions of abbreviations, learning outcomes, and some other material is not prominent and may be overlooked by some users
Worksheets should also include some research based learning exercise to explore recent cases and updated on viruses.
Some influence on techniques to characterize should also be integrated as a virtual laboratory.
Creative Commons:
Search by ISBN?
It looks like you have entered an ISBN number. Would you like to search using what you have
entered as an ISBN number?
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
Searching for Members?
You entered an email address. Would you like to search for members? Click Yes to continue. If no, materials will be displayed first. You can refine your search with the options on the left of the results page.
