Make Some Energy: Tangible and Interactive Chemical Reactions

We created an alternative way of presenting chemical reactions through tangible, interactive, and movable models. The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis, often represented by written formulas, is problematic for high school students due to its complexity and abstract nature. We used real protein data to prototype a 3D printed ATP synthase molecule adapted to move (e.g., a spinning motor). We then collected feedback from biomedical visualisation experts to improve our second prototype. Afterward, we created a tangible interactive electron transport chain and observed people interacting with it at a public outreach event. A combination of art, science, and technology allows the users to go beyond observing and explaining complex chemistry through tactile exploration, visuals, and minimal text at scientific museums and introductory classes in biochemistry.