Substansive Contribution #1

The Ameoba Sisters:

I was first introduced to the Amoeba Sisters in eighth grade, and they quickly became one of my most helpful study tools in biology. Their videos break down complex topics in a way that is simple, clear, and engaging. I remember being amazed at how they could take something that felt confusing in class and explain it in a way that even a thirteen-year-old could understand. Their animated style and conversational tone made learning feel approachable rather than overwhelming, which helped build my confidence for early biology tests.

The reason these videos are so helpful can be explained through multimedia learning theories, particularly Mayer’s Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning. Mayer’s theory suggests that students learn best when information is presented both visually and verbally, to prevent cognitive load. The Amoeba Sisters use this approach well, their drawings are simple, which reduces extraneous cognitive load and keeps attention on the learning of the information. Their voice over teaches the learner through the visuals at a easy pace, demonstrating the segmenting principle, where information is broken into comperhendable parts. This allows learners to focus on understanding rather than simply memorizing.

The video I linked above was especially meaningful during my first year of university in Biology 150A. I struggled to understand plant structure, and my notes alone weren’t helping things click. When I turned back to the Amoeba Sisters, their visual explanations finally helped me make sense of the material. Even now, their videos continue to support my learning. If you’re struggling in science, I highly recommend giving their channel a try.