Overview

To make synthetic biology and our project accessible to a broad variety of publics, we've structured our activities in a sequence that spans kindergarten, primary school, middle school, university, academic conference and society. According to the characteristics of different age publics, we've applied different education materials and activities to establish a two-way dialogue and allow mutual learning. This deliberate approach ensures that we enable comprehensive efforts, gain valuable insights into the varying viewpoints and perspectives of different age groups regarding our project, and improve our project. Also, we hope that our efforts can raise awareness about synthetic biology, biomanufacturing, and microbial cell factories, then make positive contributions to the sustainable development of society.

Conception and materials

Figure 1 Activities

Age grades Characteristic Tools or materials Purpose
Kindergarten ●Wide interests
●Strong curiosity
●Limited knowledge reserve 		●Science popularization(ppt)
●Model making
●Cartoon leaflet 		●Simple understanding of biology
●A preliminary understanding of the microbial world and synthetic biology
●Stimulation interest in synthetic biology
Primary school ●Simple understanding of biology
●Emphasize on practical and collaborative capabilities 		●Presentation
●“Yeast blows up balloons” experiment
●Long canvas collaborative game 		●Expanding biological knowledge, especially synthetic biology
●Driving hands-on and collaborative capabilities
Middle school ●Certain knowledge reserve and experimental experience
●Willingness to participate in iGEM 		●Online course（ppt）
●Experimental facilities
●Publicity materials 		●Participating in iGEM competition
●Promoting the iGEM competition
University ●Rich knowledge reserve
●Unique insights 		●Synthetic Biology Carnival tools
●“BioBricks” of synthetic biology 		●Students majoring in biology: actively communication
●Students of non-biology majors: learning more about synthetic biology
Society ●Large population
●Wide age range 		●Science popularization(ppt)
●WeChat official account
●Bilibili account 		●Popularizing synthetic biology
“Say hi”——Kindergarten

With the intention of planting the seeds of synthetic biology in young children aged 3 to 6 years, we organized an enlightenment activity at Huqiao Road Kindergarten, focusing on a preliminary understanding of bacterial engineers. Through a combination of wonderful presentation, and bacterial model making activitity, we curated an immersive encounter that enabled the children to cognize bacteria and bacterial morphology, create their very own bacterial models with clay and model, explore the fun of synthetic biology.

Figure 2 Children who are actively involved

Implementation

On May 10th, we commenced by providing a concise introduction to the fundamental concepts and classification methods of bacteria. Building upon this foundation, we discussed the creation and pivotal role of bacterial engineers, and extended to the synthetic biology and its application in the field of environmental protection, particularly focused on the innovation of eco-friendly coatings. This constitutes the crux of our project: constructing a bacterial engineer to contribute to the production of eco-friendly coatings.

Figure 3 Our team member was delivering a presentation

With meticulous planning, we curated an interactive game called bacterial model making. We provided the children with materials and tools, primarily utilizing clay, to craft their very own bacterial models. Through this activity, we fostered an environment that nurtured their creativity and facilitated a profound comprehension of bacterial morphology. This dynamic and enjoyable learning experience proved to be both entertaining and educational.

Figure 4 Exhibition of works

Figure 5 Children were building cell models

Reaction

The feedback received highlighted a strong consensus on the substantial significance of conducting science outreach activities. The data collected from this activity unequivocally demonstrated the positive impact of such science outreach initiatives on various aspects. Notably, they exhibited notable enhancements in children's intellectual capacities, creativity, curiosity for exploration, and practical skills.

Figure 6 Feedback we received

Learn

Through this activity, we've gleaned valuable insights from kindergarten feedback to improve our activity. We've identified certain considerations crucial for the development of such activities. Firstly, we harnessed the advantage of proximity, strategically selecting a location conducive to seamless event execution. Secondly, we recognized the potential for comprehensive awareness campaigns, acting as intermediaries between children and educational institutions. Additionally, we have also realized that the lab can be used as a platform for popular science demonstrations, so that children are more interested in synthetic biology.

Materials used
“Shake hands”—— Primary school

Primary school students between the ages of 6 and 12 have a basic awareness of biology and a strong "hands-on" willingness. For deeper understanding of biological knowledge and skills, we have designed a series of activities for primary school students, including an interactive presentation, an enjoyable experiment, and a long canvas collaborative game. Through these extension activities, children can understand that microbes are closely related to life and can actively explore the captivating allure of biomanufacturing and synthetic biology.

Figure 7 Group photo

Implementation

On June 7th, NJTech-China-B and members of Nanjing-BioXstem came to the affiliated Primary School of Shuren School Attached to Nannormal School for a propaganda activity. First of all, we initiated a presentation session and invited the children to step into the world of synthetic biology with the aid of engaging interactive questions. The children were more passionate than we could have imagined, and they enthusiastically expressed their views. During this presentation, we also shared the story of our team's green innovation facilitated by synthetic biology.

Figure 8 Presentation site

To deepen their understanding of how microorganisms work, we prepared an amazing “Yeast blows up balloons”experiment. We provided the children with materials and tools, mainly plastic bottles, cane sugar and small balloons. It made children more vividly understand the remarkable potential and applications of microorganisms.

Figure 9 “Yeast blows up balloons” experiment

Finally,we also organized the children to carry out a long canvas collaborative game. This creative endeavor prompted the children to activate their imagination and develop a teamwork attitude.

Figure 10, Figure 11 A long canvas collaborative game

Reaction

The children gave us an enthusiastic response. Through paper questionnaire survey, we gathered valuable data. The feedback was unanimous that participants highly appreciated the engaging educational activities. The collective activities left a profound impact, fostering heightened curiosity and contemplation among children regarding biomanufacturing and synthetic biology，and improved the child's hands-on abilities as well.

Learn

Through activities and responses, we've observed that primary school children become more engaged in open mind, exploratory learning and collaborative working. Furthermore, we recognize the potential to transform small experiments into enjoyable activities. This integration of imagination into the scientific discovery process effectively sparks their interest in synthetic biology, allows them to acquire knowledge through practice and explore

Materials used
“Bring in”——Middle school

We not only want to carry out the popularization of synthetic biology, but also want to carry out promote effectively through the iGEM competition. To cater to the demand for high school students to participate in iGEM competition, we mentored the Nanjing-BioXstem team. The primary objective was to equip the high school team members with essential knowledge and skills required for the iGEM competition and experimental procedures. We devised a comprehensive plan encompassing online education course, Experiments and Human Practice (HP).

Implementation
Part Ⅰ: Online education course

The online education course topics included Promote the iGEM competition, instruction on the usage of Snap Gene software, and guidance on Prism software.

1.1-iGEM seminar

On May 20th, we initiated our educational course by introducing synthetic biology and gene circuitry. Building upon this foundation, we provided a detail introduction on three key parts in iGEM competition: experimental design, HP, and digital model construction.

Figure 12 iGEM seminar

1.2-Snap Gene software

On June 10th, we taught Snap Gene, a pivotal software for plasmid design, crucial for effective experimental planning. We revisited PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) concepts, proceeded to introduce the principles and operational mechanics of Snap Gene, and provided a hands-on demonstration to the high school team members, illustrating the process of successfully constructing a plasmid using the Snap Gene software. This practical exercise served to bridge theoretical knowledge with applied skills, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of plasmid design and its implementation within experiments

Figure 13 Screenshot of the Snap Gene software teaching session

1.3-Prism software

On June 17th, we taught the Prism software, a mapping statistical tool, enabling the creation of polished academic charts. Our instruction revolved around three primary sections: instant image modification, drawing style standardization, and journal layout.

Figure 14 Screenshot of the Prism software teaching session

PartⅡ: Experiments

We supervised some of the experiments conducted by the Nanjing-BioXstem team and provided them with the bronze award-winning part plasmids (BBa_K3384313 and BBa_K3384314). We not only provided them with the guidance on molecular biology experiments and laboratory resources, but also utilized flow cytometry andd assisted in the interpretation of data analysis.

PartⅢ: Human Practice

We guided the HP part of Nanjing-BioXstem team, worked together and carried out an extension activity at Primary School of Shuren School Attached to Nannormal School.

Reaction

During the mentoring process, Nanjing-BioXstem team gave us with very positive feedback and expressed gratitude for our guidance and assistance.

Learn

Through these activities, we realized the energy and enthusiasm of the high school team. We deeply appreciated the creativity and research abilities of middle school students and hoped that through our team's promotion, more middle school students could understand and participate in the iGEM competition.

Materials used
“Talk with”——University

For college students with professional background in the university， we have designed different education activities for students of different majors. First, to the students majoring in biology, we held a synthetic biology lecture to introduce the iGEM competition and in-depth explain “BioBricks” of synthetic biology. Synthetic biology is an interdisciplinary discipline. And then for the students of non-biology majors, we hope that more college students can learn more about iGEM and our projects, and then participate in iGEM competition. Therefore, we held Synthetic Biology Carnival at Nanjing Tech University so that more students of different majors could come into contact with iGEM competition.

Implementation
Part Ⅰ：Lecture on Synthetic Biology

On June 8, 2023, some members of the NJTech-China-B team held a synthetic biology lecture for Students majoring in biology at Nanjing Tech University. On the lecture, we introduced the technical knowledge of synthetic biology in advance, and promoted the iGEM competition project to college students, and made iGEM case analysis and team project sharing. In particular, we introduced the “BioBricks” of synthetic biology in depth and invited them to solve the standard assembly problem.

Figure 15 Photo of the iGEM information session at the university

Figure 16 "BioBricks" questions

PartⅡ:Synthetic Biology Carnival

On September 27, NJTech-China-B and College of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Nanjing Tech University successfully held an activity called “Synthetic Biology Carnival”. The activity was divided into three parts: “question and answer (Q&A)”, “drawing” and “experimental experience”. During the Q&A, students learned about synthetic biology by answering questions. In the drawing part, students left own handwritten messages and pictures for synthetic biology. During the experimental experience, students gain an understanding of laboratory norms and synthetic biology processes through learning how to use pipettes.

Figure 17 group photo

Figure 18 excellent works

Figure 19 Synthetic Biology Carnival

Reaction

Students majoring in biology gained a deep understanding of the relevant knowledge synthetic biology, and many students desired to participate in the iGEM competition. Students from different majors actively participated in our event, gaining knowledge of synthetic biology, and most students also understood and accepted bio-based coatings through our activities.

Learn

Through the “BioBricks” answers, we found that biology majors could quickly understand the standard assembly method of synthetic biology. So, for students majoring in biology, we can further educate them and let them participate in iGEM. At the same time, iGEM is a platform for communication and cooperation, and we hope that through advocacy activity at university, more non-biological students can participate in it and give full play to the advantages of multi-disciplines.

“Immerse in”——Society

Society is characterized by a large population and a wide age range, which is not conducive to conduct comprehensive and specific promotional activities. Therefore, in order to promote synthetic biology, we choose to publicize in the community and carry out science popularization and publicity for community residents. In addition, we also created WeChat official account and Bilibili account to release the team's progress in real time. Furthermore, we have created original promotional cartoon story to increase social awareness, allowing the public to fully immerse themselves in the ocean of synthetic biology.

Implementation
Part Ⅰ: Offline community outreach

On September 6, 2023, the NJTech-China-B team came to Qiliqiao Community of Dingshan Street for a science popularization propaganda activity. We first carried out science popularization of bio-based materials, introduced the bio-based materials in life, and then we promoted our project to the community and introduced the advantages of our project，bring biobased materials to the community in a more accessible way.

Figure 20 Offline community outreach

Figure 21 Community residents are actively involved

PartⅡ: Online promotion

WeChat and Bilibili are very important online publicity and social platforms in modern network society, covering a wide range of age groups and a large number of users. In that case, we set up WeChat official account and Bilibili account. Among them, WeChat is mainly responsible for updating the real-time dynamics of our team and promoting our series of activities. On the Bilibili, our focus is on creating original popular science videos, promoting science popularization of synthetic biology in an innovative way, and attracting public attention.

Figure 22 WeChat official account

Figure 23 Bilibili account

PartⅢ: Original promotional cartoon story - The Adventures of Little Bacteria

What exists where we can't see it? In the process of online promotion, our NJTech-China-B team wrote a short cartoon story with non-woven fabric as the main material, and published it on the Bilibili and WeChat platform, vividly introducing the process of biosynthesis of 1,5 pentanediol. We hope this story can Publicity synthetic biology.

Figure 24 The Adventures of Little Bacteria

Reaction

After the offline community outreach, the community expressed their willingness to use practical actions to drive their families and people around them to use environmentally friendly materials and contribute to the protection of the ecological environment. In the online promotion, people said they learned about synthetic biology from watching videos and reading about it. Among them, the users of Bilibili were highly praised our original promotional cartoon story.

Figure 25 Positive feedback from the public

Learn

Through these activities, we found that the concept of green and environmental protection has been deeply rooted in people's hearts, which is in line with the spirit of our project. In addition, the online promotion is not only convenient for everyone to understand synthetic biology anytime and anywhere, but also conducive to the wide dissemination of our project.

Materials used
Everyone is a participant in science popularization, and everyone benefits from science popularization.