In biochemistry, three-dimensional models are being used to help students comprehend advanced topics within the subject. Because a greater cognitive load may be related to three-dimensional models, learning what could raise the cognitive load is critical. From there, measures can be taken to help lower the cognitive load and make the material easier for students to understand. To understand cognitive load in relation to models, students were presented with three-dimensional serine protease models and their substrates and asked to match the clear surface plate to the backbone, and then the substrate to the surface plate. On the substrates, students were asked to place stickers on the locations of each peptide bond and catalytic triad on the surface plate. Students subsequently completed a worksheet related to the tasks. Tobii Glasses 2 was used to track eye movement while students completed the tasks. Using Tobii Pro software, heat maps and Areas of Interest (AOIs) were used to indicate what areas of the three-dimensional models showed the highest points of fixation. The results discussed will include how students assessed the models, ways to improve the activity such as providing more straightforward directions, and a comparison of the AOI fixation duration of the clear surface plate activity and the color surface plate activity completed the previous year.

Using eye-tracking data to determine what biochemistry students attend to when completing a revised three-dimensional modeling activity

Macromolecular Chemistry: The Second Century

[Author Benefits](https://scimeetings.acs.org/?utm_source=pubs_content_marketing&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=0320_MCF_NPI_Launch_Spring_Homepage&ref=pubs_content_marketing)

[How to use SciMeetings](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMeetings-ACSSpring2020-HowToGuide_M3020-Final.pdf)

[Frequently Asked Questions](https://storage.googleapis.com/dl.morressier.com/acs/SciMtng_ACSNMSp2020_FAQ_M3120_Final.pdf)

ACS Spring 2020 National Meeting & Expo

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.