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Gamified simulations, integrating gameplay into education, cater to younger learners’ digital preferences and align with Next Generation Science Standards. Current virtual modules focus on advanced high school classes, leaving a gap for middle school students. This study investigated the impact of substituting recitations in a 6th-grade ecology class with Feed the Dingo, a gamified module. Through quizzes evaluating academic performance and free-response surveys to gauge students’ attitudes, the module appeared to enhance intuitive understanding of core ecological concepts (e.g., ecosystems, food webs, biodiversity, etc.), resulting in commendable academic achievement and positive feedback. Such simulations serve as valuable supplements for K-12 lesson planning. 

During the abrupt and unplanned transition to remote online learning formats due to the COVID-19 outbreak, educators have had to adopt new teaching methods. For instance, online simulations tailored to specific curriculum topics emerged, allowing students to apply their knowledge creatively, with potentially positive effects on engagement and learning efficacy. Here, we examine the implementation of the “Save the World” simulation, created by Wonderville.org, in a high school Advanced Placement Environmental Science classroom in a remote online learning setting. In this module, students determine the most viable renewable energy generation option for given environments. Based on student and teacher feedback, the simulation effectively delivers educational material and promotes student engagement, demonstrating that online simulations can serve as a viable tool to enhance environmental science education and remote learning. 

Abstract Proteins are versatile macromolecules that can perform a variety of functions. In the past three decades, they have been commonly used as building blocks to generate a range of biomaterials. Owing to their flexibility, proteins can either be used alone or in combination with other functional molecules. Advances in synthetic and chemical biology have enabled new protein fusions as well as the integration of new functional groups leading to biomaterials with emergent properties. This review discusses protein‐engineered materials from the perspectives of domain‐based designs as well as physical and chemical approaches for crosslinked materials, with special emphasis on the creation of hydrogels. Engineered proteins that organize or template metal ions, bear noncanonical amino acids (NCAAs), and their potential applications, are also reviewed.