Three-Dimensional Printed Amino Acids as a Kinesthetic Learning Tool for Biochemistry Teaching and Learning

Proteins are at the center of course content for Biochemistry, and thus it is critical for students to be familiar with amino acids and their structures. We aim to determine if the use of a kinesthetic learning tool will increase short- and long-term undergraduate student knowledge retention of amino acids and their structures. The treatment group received a set of 3D printed amino acids to study and was assigned an amino acid to create using 3D modeling software. Quantitative assessment data were collected in quiz and exam formats. The treatment group completed a quantitative online survey and qualitative interview on their experience. Upper division undergraduate students overwhelmingly reported that designing a 3D amino acid provided a sense of accomplishment and added value to their experience in biochemistry. Short-term structural knowledge retention was improved in the treatment group, as determined by quiz scores. Most students indicated they would recommend this assignment to future students. Through this work, we have shown that incorporating 3D printing as a kinesthetic learning tool in Biochemistry not only improves short-term undergraduate student knowledge retention of amino acid structure, but also provides an engaging mechanism for students to interact hands-on with content that adds value to their learning experience.