Overview: The Legend of Hunan University iGEM: An Educational Journey
Chapter 1: Cultivating Curiosity
On a sunny afternoon in June, iGEM team members visited Lijun Primary School in Yuhua District, where they introduced fourth-grade students to the mysteries of crops and the world of plants. Through an informative presentation about the process of food production and engaging Q&A sessions, the students gained a more comprehensive understanding of the importance of food security. The students enthusiastically shared their imaginative thoughts on plant research. The iGEMers' insights and additional information further deepened the students' knowledge and awareness of plant protection, fostering curiosity and innovation in nature and science during their primary school education.
Chapter 2: Igniting Public Enthusiasm
Fast forward to September, we teamed up with students from Central South University and National University of Defense Technology to create a dynamic group. During the National Science and Innovation Exhibition in Changsha, we aimed to convey our passion and curiosity for science and innovation. Our theme centered around popularizing biopharmaceutical technology and synthetic biology applications.
In this grand event, we conducted a captivating experiment: extracting DNA from bananas. Both children and adults marveled at the wonders of genetics and connected science to everyday life. The Q&A sessions enriched the experience, and the exquisite souvenirs left a lasting impression on the participants. We also engaged in stimulating discussions with individuals interested in synthetic biology, exploring the potential of our project for global sustainability and food security. The public left the exhibition with a deeper understanding of its theme.
Chapter 3: Empowering the Future
September 21, 2023 marked an important chapter in the story of Hunan University's iGEM team. The team visited Hunan University Affiliated Middle School, igniting students' passion for synthetic biology. In a captivating lecture, we unveiled the mysteries of synthetic biology, introduced the world of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, and shared our vision for the future of this field.
We provided high school students with a more authentic understanding of research work, imparting the enthusiasm and drive for scientific research. They learned about the applications of genetic engineering and were inspired to pursue innovation and interest in scientific research.
Chapter 4: Strengthening the Team
This journey continued on campus. In August, team members volunteered to serve as guides for incoming freshmen, introducing them to the exciting world of the iGEM competition. Simple yet informative posters and badges paved the way for a successful freshmen orientation event.
On September 10, we held an iGEM competition introduction and recruitment event, featuring engaging speeches and exquisite merchandise. Freshmen eager to become young scientists enthusiastically joined the team, injecting new energy into the legend of Hunan University iGEM.
Chapter 5: Embracing Emerging Culture (Enhancing Memorability)
To make our project more accessible to the public, we designed a virtual persona and backstory based on the project's content and created related merchandise. This increased the memorability and appeal of our project, better conveying its purpose - promoting the importance of food security and sustainable development.
Through these captivating chapters, the Hunan University iGEM team transcended the boundaries of the university campus, not only disseminating scientific knowledge to the public but also fostering innovative scientific curiosity and nurturing awareness of sustainable development and food security among diverse communities.
Elementary Science Popularization
On the afternoon of June 26, 2023, three members of the Hunan University iGEM team, Chenyu Li, Jingrui Zhang, and Lang Zeng, visited Lijun Elementary School in Sandzitang, Yuhua District, Changsha City. They jointly organized a science popularization event with the school, guiding fourth-grade students to "explore the wonders of natural science and appreciate its charm."
During the classroom trivia session, students were enthusiastic and expressed their views on the significance of plant research, which was further deepened by the iGEMer's summary and additions to deepen their understanding of plants and their awareness of plant protection.
At the end of the activity, iGEMer talked freely with the students about the meaning of science and gave them our well-prepared popular science books and postcards as a parting gift~
Innovation Fair
On September 17, 2023, a joint team of students from Hunan University's iGEM team, Central South University's iGEM team, and National University of Defense Technology's iGEM team came together to form the iGEM Hunan University Student Union at the Science and Innovation Fair during the National Science Day event in Changsha. They conducted a science popularization event with a focus on biopharmaceutical technology and synthetic biology applications.
During the event they carried out a fun interactive experiment - extracting the DNA of bananas, which not only engaged a wide audience, including friends and children, but also allowed them to witness the wonders of genetics firsthand. Additionally, our Q&A session provided an opportunity for exhibitors to gain valuable insights into our projects and receive unique artifacts as tokens of appreciation.
Overall, this experience has not only fostered scientific curiosity but also strengthened the bonds between our teams and the wider community.
Science Workshop Towards Science Enthusiasts
On September 21, 2023, we visited Hunan University Affiliated High School and conducted an informative workshop on synthetic biology in the school's auditorium. It was an exciting day during which we delved into the mysteries of synthetic biology, introduced the fascinating world of the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition, and shared our visions for the future of synthetic biology with the students.
Highlights of the event:
1. Synthetic Biology Outreach: We introduced students to the fundamental concepts of synthetic biology, covering gene editing and the creation of logic gates. We showed how this field can revolutionize the world in laboratory settings and encouraged active participation and exploration.
2. iGEM Competition Introduction: We introduced the students to the iGEM competition, a global platform for young scientists dedicated to addressing global challenges. We encouraged them to learn more about iGEM and consider joining the exciting team to engage in innovative research projects. We also shared our team's project for this year: the Plant Early Warning System.
3. Envisioning the Future of Synthetic Biology: Most importantly, we asked students to envision the future of synthetic biology. They eagerly shared their perspectives and dreams, discussing how synthetic biology techniques can address societal and environmental issues and create a better future.
We were delighted to witness that throughout the event, the students attentively listened and actively participated in our interactions. We could genuinely sense their excitement and enthusiasm as they opened the doors to the world of synthetic biology.
Recruit New Students on Campus
On August 26, 2023, in order to let the freshman students know about iGEM competition , while promoting our team. Our HNU-China team members volunteered to serve as the college's orientation volunteers, providing orientation guidance to new students. In the orientation process, in order to let the new students have a preliminary understanding of our project, we specially printed a simple and easy to understand poster, and prepared a small badge designed by the team for the new students. Finally, the orientation activity was a complete success, so that the new students have a certain understanding and interest in our team and iGEM competition.
On September 10, 2023, we held an iGEM competition introduction and recruitment event. Our members made beautiful PPT and prepared beautiful small gifts for new recruits. At the event, we gave a brief introduction to what synthetic biology is and what the iGEM competition is. Then we introduced in detail the research projects and achievements of our team in the past two years. After our preaching, the students have a certain interest in synthetic biology, and actively signed up to participate in the next team election, bringing new vitality to our team.
