Education
In order to promote synthetic biology and our project, we designed posters, brochures, popular science videos and games. We organized six science popularization activities for students and neighbors, we also promote through the media platforms.
Project exchange with the iGEM teams at Zhejiang University
During the summer vacation, we had a project exchange with the iGEM team Bioplus-China at Zhejiang University, and also had an communication with Bioplus-Shanghai team who participated online. Zhao Yizhen，the leader of our wet team came to the stage to introduce our project and promoted the questionnaire and social platform account. We have learned about the progress of other teams' projects, which can compare with our progress and adjust the speed of our team. At the same time, we have also learned how to effectively publicize and understand other people's projects while accelerating the development of our projects.
Approaching Synthetic Biology -2023iGEM Academic Exchange Conference
In August 2023, we shared the experimental progress, direction, and difficulties of iGEM with four other teams (teams from two universities, and teams from two other cities) at the provincial Science and Technology Museum.
In this process, we feel quite deeply. For example, the Zhejiang University team chose to make a plant vaccine against disease, which they can study in the future after studying its possibilities. Zhejiang University of Technology also introduced a software they invented in the meeting, which can help website editing with zero threshold. We also joined the chat group of this software after the meeting for communication. Our team also presented our project at the conference, and with the help of the live broadcast, we introduced our project to the public - using the fusion of spider silk and EGF, hoping to create a more resistant substance to treat trauma. At the same time, we also introduced the operation of biological experiments to the public. In addition, during this event, we also realized that our internal coordination work still needs to be improved.Regarding the small number of questions answered by our team questionnaire, we got inspiration from another team. Not only should you post the survey yourself on social media, but also ask your friends to share it
Science Communication in Shengyuan Community
In August 11, we organized our first offline activity to popularize science in Shengyuan community. Before we start the activity, we prepared posters which briefly introduced the place and time of our activity, then we sent the posters that we made in the owners’ group of the community. Apart from that we give out leaflets to attract neighbor to visit our activity.
During the activity, many children are attracted by our little prizes, which include stickers, fans, badges, and cushions, and that motivated them to answer the questions related to our project of spider silk protein, including the usages of synthetic biology, the technology we used in the laboratory. Through this activity, they had a preliminary understanding of synthetic biology and learned about the treatment of burns.
During the activity there was a grandmother who is very interested in our project and discussed the project with us for about 2 hours. She thought our project is very meaningful and hoped it will go smoothly. In the end, we had a live streaming in TikTok to show our fans about this subject and our team.
In conclusion, our activity achieved complete success and successfully educated dwellers in the Shengyuan community about the property of spider silk and knowledge about synthetic biology, and also why we are doing this experiment.
public science popularization activity in Hangzhou Low Carbon Science and Technology Museum
On August 6, 2023, we and other two iGEM teams (Bioplus-Shanghai and Bioplus-China)held a public science popularization education activity in Hangzhou Low Carbon Science and Technology Museum. A variety of popular science games, points for small prizes and other projects have attracted a large number of audiences, especially children and parents, to participate in our activities. During the interaction of the game, the audience learned about spider silk protein, burn treatment and artificial skin, and also stimulated a strong interest in the innovative technical field of synthetic biology.
We designed a detailed science popularization brochure. Our members also gave a detailed introduction to the children's knowledge of treating burns on the spot. We also did an interesting Q&A about synthetic biology. The small stickers with team characteristics designed by the team members have also attracted a large number of children to compete for them.
In this activity, we were really satisfied as we can bring the team's project and synthetic biology knowledge to the general public, especially in the hearts of children.
A lecture on synthetic biology at our school
On September 4th, our team secured the opportunity to give a lecture on synthetic biology to all teacher and students at our school - Hangzhou Olive Tree International High School.
In order to fully introduce our project to all teachers and students, what is synthetic biology and iGEM, we have made sufficient preparations. Several members of our team introduced the iGEM competition and our learning experience during the summer vacation, and experimental experiences, including virtual experiments and formal experiments at Zijingang Campus of Zhejiang University. In addition, we taught everyone about our project and some basic knowledge about spidroin, such as what spidroin are and how they are used in the medical field. In the process, we learnt many tips about presentations and improved our presentation skills. The audience deem that this presentation from our group members helps them to understand a new subject, what iGEM and synthetic biology is, and expand more opportunities for major.
Molecular Science Club
In order to help more students understand synthetic biology and join the family of synthetic biology, our team established the Molecular Science Club in our high school this year to recruit students interested in biology. We advertised our club through various means.
First, we delivered a speech among all high school students about the iGEM competition, our team, and the laboratory, as well as publicity work we did this summer. Second, we participated in the school club fair. There we hung up posters and streamed videos, and many students showed strong interest in our club and asked several questions about the plan for our club. The advertising result turned out to be successful —— we recruited 19 members from different grades.
In the first club event, we introduced some basic information about our club, the basic concepts of synthetic biology, and demonstrated several common experimental instruments, such as autoclave and electrophoresis system, to our club new members.
In conclusion, our molecular science club provided a platform for high school students to learn biology and participating in laboratory experiments. Our club provides an opportunity for more and more students to be exposed to synthetic biology.
Education on several popular social platforms
In order to advertise our team’s project and propagandize synthetic biology, we create team accounts on several popular social platforms.
The first official account we created on social media which is the most widely used —— WeChat. So far, we have 8 original posts on it. In the first post, we introduced the iGEM competition, basic information about our team —— OTIA-Hangzhou, and our project. At the end of the post, we also added a link to fund our program. The second post detailedly explained what is iGEM competition and its academic expertise and broad participation. We also laid out information about different groups in our team, offering a brief view of our team members. The rest of the posts are all about education. We talked about a variety of topics, for instance, why spiders can catch worms, the reason spider silk is stronger than steel, and how to inspire new biomaterials and medical technologies. Receiving numerous follows and likes, we eye-witnessed that an increasing proportion of people get to know bout synthetic biology and are deeply attracted by molecular science and the project that we are working on —— applying spider silk protein to the healing of wounds.
The second one is on Little Red Book which is very popular among young people. On July 21st, we posted our first message, and since then our team has been regularly updating our science content and lab routines. In the process, we have also received a lot of recognition from people who are also interested in synthetic biology and our project. For example, a college student in graduate school and many high school students from different cities and schools who also participated in iGEM. In the process of updating the 15 notes on the team's official account, we also learned a lot of valuable skills, such as how to write more compelling headlines and copy, and how to post notes wisely.
The third one is one Douyin which can help us to live. Recently, our team embarked on a series of 18 live streaming sessions on Douyin, sharing our journey in the iGEM competition, focusing on spider silk protein experiments. As we navigated through these sessions, several collective insights surfaced.
Initially, there was skepticism: How would a topic centered around the iGEM competition and our specific project resonate with a broader audience? However, each session consistently drew a sizeable viewership. Their questions, interactions, and feedback provided validation for the universal appeal of scientific exploration, even in niche fields like ours.Our collective communication skills were refined during these sessions.
Traditionally, when discussing our GEM projects among peers, we dove deep into scientific jargon and specifics. However, Douyin's diverse audience nudged us to simplify without diluting the essence. We learned to convey intricate concepts like spider silk protein manipulation in a relatable and understandable manner. The live interactions were invaluable. Viewers from varying backgrounds posed a wide range of questions.
These moments became spontaneous learning sessions. There were times when a question would make us revisit a certain aspect of our project or view it from a different angle. Such interactions not only enriched our understanding but often spurred further team discussions, even off the camera.
Behind each live stream, a seamless team effort was at play. While the viewers saw one or two of us presenting, it was a collective endeavor--from coordinating responses to ensuring technical stability. This experience strengthened our internal communication and brought out the best in our collaborative spirit.
In conclusion, our Douyin live streaming journey, centered around the iGEM competition, was not just about sharing our project. It morphed into an exercise in effective communication, collaboration, and a testament to the broader appeal of scientific pursuits. For teams considering a similar outreach, this platform offers a unique avenue to engage, learn, and grow together.
Conclusion
Overall, during these activities, we achieved the goals of encourage more people to participate in synthetic biology.