Peer Review

Allen Brain Atlas

Material Detail page

Reviewed:: Nov 18, 2021 by Health Sciences

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Ratings

Overall Rating:

Content Quality:

Effectiveness:

Ease of Use:

Overview:

The Allen Institute is a biological science non-profit organization located in Seattle, WA. Focus is in neuroscience, cell biology, and immunology. The institute generates data, knowledge and tools to advance science. Data is shared publicly for anyone to use, such as for research and education. All new knowledge is shared publicly, termed open science. Under the About tab, then the Education Outreach tab, a plethora of resources are available for educators, including free posters for the classroom, lesson plans and materials, virtual laboratory webinar, and more. Examples of open science assignments and lessons plans are available. Visit allencell.org for more information about educator resources.

Type of Material:

Some lesson plans published in CourseSource (an evidence-based teaching resource for undergraduate biology education)

Recommended Uses:

To learn about brain biology in health sciences courses. Many sources that educators could use to include in course for learners. In class, homework, lecture

Technical Requirements:

internet

Identify Major Learning Goals:

Perform virtual cell experiments
Understand the role of cell biology, neuroscience, and immunology in healthcare and bioscience
Apply statistics and data analysis in cell biology

Describe brain cell science.
Examine cellular biology.

Target Student Population:

Undergraduate, graduate, academic, professional

Prerequisite Knowledge or Skills:

Basic computer skills

Basic biology

Content Quality

Rating:
Strengths:: There is a plethora of resources for biology educators. Under the About tab, then Education Outreach tab, The Virtual Science Lab shares open materials for biology educators, including free posters for the classroom, lesson plans, virtual laboratory, case study, open courseware, and more. Examples of open science assignments and lessons plans can seamlessly be used in one’s curriculum.
Concerns:: None

Potential Effectiveness as a Teaching Tool

Rating:
Strengths:: The Allen Institute is an excellent source for integrating bioscience knowledge (including lesson plans and materials) into college curriculum. The visual content is exceptional, sharing online and desktop tools students can use to augment knowledge and learning. The organization offers paid summer internships to undergraduate and graduate students interested in bioscience. Is easy to use and includes an extensive collection of brain resources.
Concerns:: None

Ease of Use for Both Students and Faculty

Rating:
Strengths:: The website is easy to navigate, all links were functioning. Menus provide detailed, clear descriptions of content. Videos are of high quality, professional.
Concerns:: None

Other Issues and Comments:

This resource is an excellent addition to any biology course, regardless if the content is integrated into the curriculum. Students could benefit from exploring the current state of bioscience from leaders in the industry.

Thank you for this outstanding source! It is a fabulous resource and easy to use!

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