The biochemistry tetrahedron and the development of the taxonomy of biochemistry external representations (TOBER)

Visual literacy, the ability to interpret and create external representations (ERs), is essential to success in biochemistry. Studies have been conducted that describe students' abilities to use and interpret specific types of ERs. However, a framework for describing ERs derived through a naturalistic inquiry of biochemistry classrooms has not been proposed in the literature. The Taxonomy of Biochemistry External Representations (TOBER) is proposed as a method for classifying the types of ERs used in biochemistry classrooms. Johnstone's domains of chemical knowledge is extended to the discipline of biochemistry to form the “Biochemistry Tetrahedron” and the TOBER is mapped on to it. Ainsworth's Functional Taxonomy of Multiple ERs is connected to biochemistry and is used in conjunction with the TOBER and Biochemistry Tetrahedron to derive implications for research and classroom practice.