Presentation at Ibigawa Junior High School
On July 12, 2023, we gave a lecture to junior high school students at Ibigawa Junior High School in Ibigawa Town, Gifu Prefecture.
The purpose of this presentation was to encourage middle school students to reexamine their interests and talents and consider how they can apply these interests in society. To begin, I introduced how our iGEM Gifu team is using their interests and expertise to work on our project.
Since the middle school students had just started learning about Mendel's laws of heredity, explaining the finer aspects of biology was a bit challenging. However, we made an effort to explain what can be accomplished using synthetic biology and engaged the students in the broader field of biology to spark their interest and curiosity in an enjoyable manner.
Classes in Tajimi Kita High School and Discussions with Students
During the lecture, we discussed how to pursue one's interests, such as biology and programming, in research and club activities. We introduced the Gifu team's research and engaged in discussions about what useful organisms could be created using genetic engineering. As a result, it appears that the high school students developed an interest in synthetic biology. They actively contributed their ideas, generating innovative concepts like "odorless natto" and "meat made from soybeans." Some students even sought guidance on their career paths, providing us with an opportunity to offer valuable insights into their future aspirations.
Assisting a Life Science Experience Program for Middle School Students
On August 10, 2023, we had the privilege of participating as assistant instructors in a life science experiential program for middle school students, organized by the Scientific Research Infrastructure Center at the Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine. Under the program's theme of "Understanding Life Science Technologies Used in Everyday Life," middle school students had the opportunity to experience DNA profiling of rice using PCR.
During the experiment, middle school students had the chance to use scientific equipment commonly employed in universities and research institutions, such as micropipettes, thermal cyclers, and centrifuges—tools they may not have encountered before. We took on the role of instructing the students on the proper and safe use of each of these instruments.
Furthermore, we recognized the importance of not just teaching how to use the equipment but also explaining the underlying principles. Understanding the "why" behind the "how" is crucial for students to apply their knowledge effectively. As such, we made every effort to provide clear and understandable explanations for each piece of equipment, ensuring that the middle school students not only knew how to use them but also comprehended the reasons behind their usage. Our aim was to enhance their understanding of experimentation and its practical applications.