January 15, 2007 (Vol. 27, No. 2)
Rating:
Strong Points: Very well designed, extensive, interactive
Weak Points: None
Summary:
Here’s a project I can strongly endorse. MOLIT is the title of the Molecular Literacy Project, an educational effort aimed at enhancing the teaching of science and technology. With a specific focus on training students for careers in biotechnology and nanotechnology, the project has admirable goals. Towards reaching them, MOLIT offers a database of educational materials organized in six general categories—Core Activities, Concepts/Disciplines, Technologies, Standards, Molecular Foundations, and Everything. Within these subject areas are hundreds of activities that range from DNA/protein synthesis to nanomachines. Java-based software provides excellent demonstrations of some of the concepts. Advanced users of the site can build integrated models from the provided materials. This is an outstanding educational resource that science educators everywhere need to be aware of.