BioLogica™ is a new kind of computer-based model that integrates many aspects of biology and shows the connections between them. The software runs on both Windows and Macintosh computers.

BioLogica enables students to manipulate processes at different, but dynamically related levels of life function. Like its predecessor program GenScope™, BioLogica includes tools and representations that focus on genetics. Building on that foundation, BioLogica has developed modules and student activities that embody increasingly elaborate models of the parts, processes, and mechanisms of genetics.

BioLogica in the classroom

BioLogica provides students with a challenging, interactive environment that balances the excitement of exploration with the structure and guidance of activities that are pedagogically and scientifically sound. A typical BioLogica activity poses a problem for students, then leaves them alone to solve it. Once they have achieved their goal, the computer can request that they explain their reasoning, or present them with additional material that links their investigation of the model with real-world analogs direct from the biology laboratory.

BioLogica Activities make it easy to monitor students' performance and to collect their investigations into electronic portfolios for later evaluation and assessment. They enable students to progress at their own pace, and help the teacher to identify those "teachable moments" that might otherwise pass unobserved in a busy classroom. They combine the constructivist approach of student-initiated investigations with the structure and pedagogy required for transfer to take place.

Demonstrations and Prototypes

At this point you may be saying to yourself, "But enough about you, how about me? When do I get to try out this wonderful new software?" There are two things you can do to discover the power of BioLogica. We suggest you first check out our demo Web Labs, then download a free prototype version of BioLogica and try it out for yourself.

Bon voyage!

BioLogica is no longer maintained or supported.

Please visit Teaching Genetics with Dragons for our latest related resources.