Bio'Manip: The Wooden Ribosome

Hands-On Protein Synthesis for Secondary Biology

Beyond 2D and Screens

Protein synthesis is among the most complex and abstract biological processes in the secondary school curriculum. While digital animations and paper diagrams exist, they often fail to convey the dynamic spatial reality of translation (ribosome sliding, tRNA movement, peptide bonding).

Bio'Manip makes the invisible visible, transforming abstract concepts into a fluid, dynamic, and physical manipulation.

Key Pedagogical Benefits

• Kinesthetic Pedagogy & Differentiation: Moving away from all-screen learning allows students to manipulate molecules directly in space. Touch serves as a powerful memory anchor and remediation tool for students with learning difficulties or specific needs.
• Collaborative Learning & Metacognition: Working in pairs fosters an actor/narrator dynamic: while one student executes the mechanism, the other verbalises the steps using the appropriate scientific vocabulary.
• Rigorous Scientific Design: Although tactile and engaging, every piece corresponds strictly to real molecular structures and functions.

Kit Contents & Variants

The standard kit focuses on the study of the -haemoglobin mutation (comparing the healthy allele HBA and the mutated allele HBS responsible for sickle cell anaemia).

Each complete kit is designed for 4 students simultaneously (2 pairs) and includes:

• 2 complete wooden ribosomes (small and large subunits, double-layered for smooth sliding along the mRNA).
• 2 wooden DNA strands.
• 120 ribonucleotides (A, U, C, G) for mRNA assembly.
• Teacher’s explanatory guide.

Choose between two variants:

• Kit-V1 (Without Stop Codon): Includes 26 wooden tRNAs and 24 felt amino acids with magnetic buttons.
• Kit-V2 (With Stop Codon): Includes 24 wooden tRNAs, 2 release factors, and 26 felt amino acids with magnetic buttons.

Full Customisation Options

Every educational context is unique. Bio'Manip kits are fully customisable to match your curriculum:

• Language & Terminology: Terms can be customised in English, Italian, or any other language upon providing the text.
• Sequence Adaptation: The DNA sequence can be modified (maintaining the same length) to target other genes or specific biological themes.
• Piece Count & Configuration: The number of pieces or components can be tailored to your specific classroom requirements upon request.

Pricing & Ordering Information

• Price (for Kit-V1 or Kit-V2): €80 excl. VAT (non-profit approach aimed strictly at covering manufacturing costs).
• Craftsmanship & Sustainability: Handcrafted in Ottignies, Belgium, using laser cutting and engraving technology on European-origin wood. Made-to-order to prevent overstocking and ensure meticulous care for every kit.

Order Details

• Supplier / Provider: Productions Associées asbl
• Address: Rue Coenraets 72, B-1060 Brussels
• VAT Number: BE 0896755397
• Production Unit (UP): 739401 - ArboreSciences / COSTA Nadia Clara
• VAT Rate: 21%

Get in Touch

For any questions, bespoke quote requests, or custom DNA sequence adaptations, please contact me directly by email:

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