I developed “Cell Transport Investigator,” a formative assessment designed to move students beyond rote memorization into active scientific inquiry. Leveraging the PhET “Cell Membrane” simulation, this activity requires learners to explore abstract biological processes, such as diffusion and active transport, in a dynamic, interactive environment.
The accompanying rationale outlines the pedagogical foundation of this design, emphasizing Authentic Assessment principles where students apply their knowledge to real-world reasoning rather than simply labeling. The project highlights my ability to:
1. Integrate educational technology, utilizing research-backed, open-source tools like PhET to visualize complex concepts.
2. Facilitate Active Learning: Creating “digital field reports” where students act as investigators, synthesizing visual data (screenshots) with written analysis and analogies.
3. Support Diverse Learners: Incorporating Universal Design principles by allowing students to demonstrate understanding through multiple modalities (visual, written, and analogical).