Volunteering Teaching
To popularize biology in the young generation and inspire future scientists, we cooperated with two volunteering teaching teams to promote biology and more precisely, synthetic biology.
Juxi Primary School, Cangnan, Wenzhou
Cooperated with International Campus Zhejiang University – Juxi Cangnan Wenzhou Summer Social Practice Group, we carried out a series of classes about basic biological concepts in the summer camp from July 7 to 15, 2023.
Summer camp in Juxi, Cangnan, Wenzhou
On the first and second days of the summer camp, a series of courses, including the preliminary understanding of cell structure, observation of cells under the microscope, and hand-made cell models, deepened students' understanding of the basic concepts of biology.
Understanding cell structure
Cell model making
The volunteer teaching team members introduced fungi, bacteria, and viruses to students. Through yeast experiments and microbial culture, we helped the students gain a deeper understanding of microorganisms and further understand the concept of engineering bacteria in synthetic biology.
In addition to concepts related to cells and microbiology, we also introduced physiological features and hygiene to primary school students. The class popularized the knowledge related to sexual education for the children through interesting ways such as videos and knowledge competitions and received good feedback. In the after-class feedback, students said that they will treat the physiological changes in their bodies scientifically in the future and respect the privacy of others.
Physiological features and hygiene
Physiological knowledge competition
In addition, the iZJU-China team prepared short popular science videos such as Introduction to Laboratories, Basic Experimental Operations, and Introduction to Bioinformatics for students, to familiarize students with biological laboratories and the experimental work of scientific research.
Wet Lab popular science video
Dry Lab popular science video
At the end of the summer camp, we conducted a questionnaire survey among the students of Juxi Primary School to assess the effectiveness of our science popularization.
"Haishishanmeng" Volunteering Teaching Team
To give more people a window into synthetic biology and broaden the horizon of students, we cooperated with "Haishishanmeng” Volunteering Teaching Team of Zhejiang University to carry out a series of activities about synthetic biology. Those activities, including science-fiction painting, biology lab video watching, and questionnaire filling were held in Mengshi primary school in Yunnan province on the morning of July 26th to 28th for grade 4 and 6 students.
Science fiction painting themed in the Future of Synthetic Biology
——Since the starting point of our product is closely tied to art, we furthermore hope to join biology and art in our activities.
To make synthetic biology more accessible for primary school students, our introduction begins with the definition and categories of bacteria. We highlighted some bacteria that can benefit humans if used properly to dispel the stereotype that all bacteria are hazardous to us. Engineering bacteria and synthetic biology were then explained through vivid illustrations and metaphors. And our project was briefly introduced to show them how we solve problems in our daily life through synthetic biology.
In the next section, we guided students to consider the applications of synthetic biology from the perspective of medicine, agriculture, and foodstuff. Then students were shown how to express their ideas in the form of science fiction painting and were encouraged to create their own “masterpieces”.
Teaching in Mengshi Primary School
What imaginative ideas will arise when synthetic biology and science fiction painting come together?
Painting exhibition 1:
Explanation:
Use banana leaves to protect apples and mangoes from enemies.
Because in China, someone love to eat the head of duck and the body of chicken, so this animal will be invented.
A medicine that can cure any disease.
Painting exhibition 2:
Explanation:
Wonderful trees that can grow vegetables and fruits at the same time.
Painting exhibition 3:
Explanation:
Put a person in an eco-machine, and he/she can spend the whole life in it. they were born in the hospital from artificial embryos, and after graduating from the education system, they will work in the company to research synthetic biology. Their feces will become food through engineering bacteria.
Painting exhibition 4:
Explanation:
Splicing gecko genes into humans allows people to climb walls.
Splicing the genes of humans and putting on artificial wings enables humans to fly freely in the sky.
Use the DNA of chameleon to produce an invisibility cloak that can be used to protect the soldiers.
Our team played videos of the introduction of biology laboratory taken in our campus' lab to demonstrate the commonly used apparatus, such as pipette guns, tubes, refrigerators, microscopes, etc., as well as the bacterial inoculation methods which are closely related to synthetic biology.
It was the first time that those students had seen a real lab introduction on the screen. Hopefully, those videos could spark their interest in experiments and synthetic biology.
Students watching laboratory videos
Finally, a questionnaire survey about basic concept of synthetic biology and iGEM was given to students to help us collect information of their understanding and enthusiasm of those activities.
Students doing questionnaire survey
Social Media
By making use of our team accounts on Instagram, Bilibili, and WeChat, we were able to spread information about our team, project, and synthetic biology to a wide range of people from different ages and nations. The quantity of reading and some inspiring comments demonstrate that our educational approach has produced satisfactory outcomes.
Platform introduction
Intending to increase our global presence, we posted our popular science videos and biosafety handbook in English on Instagram.
Bilibili
Bilibili is one of the over-the-top streaming video platforms in China. As its main users are the younger generation, we uploaded our popular science videos hoping to trigger people's interest in synthetic biology and help build their knowledge.
Mainly targeting teachers and students on our international campus, we updated the biosafety handbook periodically in both Chinese and English versions on our WeChat public account. And the popular science video was also posted on it keeping pace with Bilibili.
Content
Team introduction and team activity record
We introduced the iZJU-China team on multiple platforms and recorded the activities of the team, such as the colorful daily activities when collaborating with the volunteer teaching teams. (Click here for detailed information)
Science popularization column
Biosafety handbook
After an extensive inquiry into the realm of bacterial engineering, we compiled the biosafety handbook which provides vital comprehension about bacteria and microbial agents in various fields. (Click here for detailed information)
Science popularization videos
We recorded ten popular science videos about wet and dry labs through vivid commentary and demonstration of apparatus after elaborate design and trial lectures. (Click here to watch the popular science videos)
Biosafety Handbook
Brief introduction
Prior to the creation of this safety handbook, we conducted extensive research, including surveys and interviews with advisors and experts in the field of bacterial engineering and the public. These surveys helped us gather valuable insights into the concerns, challenges, and best practices related to working with bacteria and microbial agents. Our in-depth interviews with advisors provided us with expert opinions and guidance, ensuring that the content of this handbook is both accurate and up to date. In addition, with survey results from the public, we get to know what the public are aware of and what they lack.
In this handbook, we aim to provide essential knowledge and guidance on working with bacteria and microbial agents in various fields. Chapter 1 explores the basics of bacteria, including their classification based on shape and whether they are beneficial or harmful. Chapter 2 delves into the engineering of bacteria and their applications, highlighting the associated risks and considerations. Chapter 3 discusses potential environmental risks posed by microbial agents, both to human health and ecosystems. Chapter 4 covers monitoring, control, waste management, and contingency planning for safe practices. Lastly, Chapter 5 emphasizes the importance of safety literacy, including evaluating the safety of microbial agents and assessing ecological risks. Our goal is to promote responsible practices in this exciting field while ensuring the well-being of individuals and the environment.
Detailed information
Please click here.
Effects
Our safety handbook has played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the critical safety concerns surrounding bacteria and the fascinating realm of engineered bacteria. By distilling complex scientific information into easily comprehensible language and visuals, we've successfully educated individuals on the potential risks associated with bacterial handling while highlighting the groundbreaking advancements made in engineering bacteria for various applications. This handbook has not only equipped readers with the knowledge to handle bacteria responsibly and safely but has also ignited a curiosity about the transformative power of engineered bacteria in fields like biotechnology and environmental science. As a result, our safety handbook has become an invaluable resource, empowering individuals to navigate the intricate world of bacteria with caution and curiosity, ultimately contributing to safer laboratory practices and the advancement of bacterial engineering research.
