During several years of using a paper puzzle to introduce students to the principles of metabolic pathways, we noticed that both the number of instructors and the time they spend with the students, plays a major role in the success of the activity. An insufficient number of instructors does not permit adequate contact with all the students, which both frustrates and discourages them. To bring this activity to larger audiences, while involving only a few instructors, we added a technological tool called augmented reality to the paper puzzle, turning it into a game. One of the game goals is still to assemble the puzzle, but by using an app that runs in a tablet, the students can now check their achievements as they progress through the activity. The app also includes answers to some of the frequently asked questions, while the augmented reality permits the addition of more information to the cards, via virtual flashcards. The virtual flashcards displayed on the tablet screens show information such as the molecular 3D structure, and clues for assembling the puzzle. The abovementioned technological improvement to the paper puzzle has enabled its use in larger classrooms with fewer instructors, but we still recommend also using the paper cards with students playing in groups as a powerful way of promoting student learning about metabolic pathways.

Download and Print augmented reality trackers at: http://www.3dclass-app.com/eb2013/