MIT BLOSSOMS - Discovering Medicines, Using Robots and Computers

Scientists who are working to discover new medicines often use robots to prepare samples of cells, allowing them to test chemicals to identify those that might be used to treat diseases. Students will meet a scientist who works to identify new medicines. She created free software that "looks" at images of cells and determines which images show cells that have responded to the potential medicines. Students will learn about how this technology is currently enabling research to identify new antibiotics to treat tuberculosis. Students will complete hands-on activities that demonstrate how new medicines can be discovered using robots and computer software, starring the student as "the computer." In the process, the students learn about experimental design, including positive and negative controls. Students should have some introductory knowledge about the following topics: (1) biology: students should have a basic understanding of infection and good hygiene, they should know what bacteria and cells are; (2) chemistry: the students should know what a chemical compound (molecule) is. They should have an understanding that medicines, also called "drugs", are chemical compounds; (3) basic experimental design: students should understand the terms "samples" and "testing". All hand-outs necessary for this video lesson can be downloaded below.
Resource ID#: 18770 Type: Video/Audio/Animation
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Direct Link: https://blossoms.mit.edu/videos/lessons/discovering_medicines_using_robots_and_computers

General Information

Subject(s): Science
Grade Level(s): 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12
Intended Audience: Educators educators
Suggested Technology: Computer for Presenter, LCD Projector, Speakers/Headphones
Instructional Time: 50 Minute(s)
Keywords: medicine, discovering new medicine, antibiotic, experimental design
Instructional Component Type(s): Video/Audio/Animation,  Lesson Plan,  Problem-Solving Task, 
Instructional Design Framework(s): Learning Cycle (e.g., 5E)
Resource Collection: MIT BLOSSOMS

Aligned Standards

This vetted resource aligns to concepts or skills in these benchmarks.

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