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

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Title: Three-Dimensional Printed Amino Acids as a Kinesthetic Learning Tool for Biochemistry Teaching and Learning
Language: English
Authors: Austin Fisher (ORCID 0009-0007-9982-5350), Mariah Thomas (ORCID 0009-0002-2837-4971), Angela Madira (ORCID 0000-0002-5857-7887), Jerol Skinner (ORCID 0009-0002-3144-4782), Lauren Wilcox (ORCID 0009-0008-1032-9607), Cammi Valdez (ORCID 0000-0002-4062-5908)
Source: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education. 2026 54(2):179-186.
Availability: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education
Postsecondary Education
Descriptors: Biochemistry, Scientific Concepts, Computer Peripherals, Undergraduate Students, Retention (Psychology), Design, Scores, Assignments, Kinesthetic Perception, Hands on Science
DOI: 10.1002/bmb.70035
ISSN: 1470-8175
1539-3429
Abstract: 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.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1500932
Database: ERIC
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  Data: Three-Dimensional Printed Amino Acids as a Kinesthetic Learning Tool for Biochemistry Teaching and Learning
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Austin+Fisher%22">Austin Fisher</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0007-9982-5350">0009-0007-9982-5350</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Mariah+Thomas%22">Mariah Thomas</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0002-2837-4971">0009-0002-2837-4971</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Angela+Madira%22">Angela Madira</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5857-7887">0000-0002-5857-7887</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Jerol+Skinner%22">Jerol Skinner</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0002-3144-4782">0009-0002-3144-4782</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Lauren+Wilcox%22">Lauren Wilcox</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0009-0008-1032-9607">0009-0008-1032-9607</externalLink>)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Cammi+Valdez%22">Cammi Valdez</searchLink> (ORCID <externalLink term="https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4062-5908">0000-0002-4062-5908</externalLink>)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="SO" term="%22Biochemistry+and+Molecular+Biology+Education%22"><i>Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education</i></searchLink>. 2026 54(2):179-186.
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  Data: Wiley. Available from: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. 111 River Street, Hoboken, NJ 07030. Tel: 800-835-6770; e-mail: cs-journals@wiley.com; Web site: https://www.wiley.com/en-us
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  Data: 10.1002/bmb.70035
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  Data: 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.
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        Value: 10.1002/bmb.70035
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        PageCount: 8
        StartPage: 179
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