Case It! vs HHMI BioInteractive

Case It! is a free framework for collaborative case-based learning in molecular biology. Its v705 software simulates laboratory procedures on DNA and protein sequences, including PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, restriction enzyme digestion, ELISA, microarrays, and Southern and Western blots. It supports plasmid DNA, labelled gels, and locating restriction enzyme sites, including Cas9 sites, in double-stranded DNA. Connections to bioinformatics software and websites support sequence alignment and tree-building, and sequence search is listed as useful for undergraduate research. The download includes DNA and protein sequences cited in case descriptions on topics such as genetic and infectious diseases. Case It Mobile presents selected cases through scenarios and videos of simulated procedures on phones and tablets. Cases not converted for mobile and custom sequences require v705. The project says v705 runs on current Windows and Mac systems and documents an M-series Mac setup using UTM and Windows 11 Pro. Educational users can download it free after submitting a form.

HHMI BioInteractive provides biology classroom materials and professional learning for educators and students. Its resources include films, interactive labs, simulations, animations, data-driven investigations and lessons, with educator tools for adapting, implementing and assessing them. The organization says its materials are made with scientists and educators, draw on peer-reviewed research and real-world data, and undergo scientific accuracy review. Free professional learning includes online and in-person workshops, courses, and partnerships with schools and districts. The site identifies high school and undergraduate life science educators as its main audience. Assessment Builder offers crowdsourced, vetted assessment items for high school and introductory undergraduate life science courses, and requires a verified BioInteractive educator account. Interactive Video Builder lets users assemble interactive videos from more than 200 BioInteractive videos, clips and animations. Its terms caution that creating these videos may be suboptimal on phones and tablets, although playback works well there. Online Community resources may be downloaded and displayed for educational use; commercial use requires express permission from HHMI and other copyright owners. Free resources and professional learning are listed at free.