To inspire people of all ages, from 6-year olds to 80-year olds, to learn more about synthetic biology and microplastics, we organised workshops, lectures, a conference and created a computer game and a colouring book based on these topics. With these efforts, we wanted to create open and fun environments where individuals could freely share their perspectives on these complex topics - positive as well as negative. In the meantime, we as a team got the opportunity to take part in this learning process to widen our perspectives on how to use synthetic biology in the best way for a better future. You can read more about our activities below and how we integrated feedback from teachers and students here.
Colouring book
In order to raise awareness on the topic of microplastics in younger audiences (children aged six to nine years), we created a children’s colouring book. We wished to provide children with an interactive experience, which is why we chose a colouring book with activities, centered around a story. In the book, Tina the Turtle invites young children to learn about microplastics, bioluminescence and synthetic biology. The book was made available in different languages (English, Swedish, French, German, Korean, Spanish) in order to reach the widest audience that we could. This also shows the diversity of backgrounds spoken by our team members! During the writing process of the book, we consulted with several teachers and education students who gave us valuable feedback to make sure the level was adapted to our target audience.
We are planning on distributing the book in several public libraries and schools across Stockholm, as well as spreading the word about it to interested teachers and relatives, who could be interested in its educational content. The public library Tranströmerbiblioteket in Stockholm has agreed to collaborate with us and share the book once it is printed.
We have included a feedback survey at the end of the book, with different questions depending on whether the person filling it is a teacher or not.
Computer game
To illustrate synthetic biology in a fun and interactive way, we also developed a video game. The aim was to introduce the concept of synthetic biology and microbiology to older children and teenagers who might not yet have had an introduction to it at school. Our main target audience, which we had in mind during the development of the game, was teenagers. However, we hope that the game can be played by anyone. Inspired by the game Vampire Survivors, we created a game where an E. Coli bacteria has to survive on an agar plate from being eaten by a C. elegans worm. In the game, the bacteria can take up plasmids, which give it special power-ups. Information panels teach players about bacteria, DNA, plasmids, C. elegans, and synthetic biology. We hope you have fun playing a prototype of our game here.
AstraZeneca research school workshop
With our educational activities, we wanted to target groups of various scientific and non-scientific backgrounds and a broad age range. We started by contacting Unga forskare, a large youth association aiming to increase the interest for science, technology and mathematics among young people in Sweden. Every year, Unga forskare is organising a summer research school for students in 7th to 9th grade in collaboration with the pharmaceutical company AstraZeneca, and iGEM Stockholm 2023 were lucky to participate. During two hours, we got to present the concepts of synthetic biology, bioluminescence and microplastic pollution, followed by a workshop. During the workshop, the students got to discuss solutions to research questions regarding the topics and do a hands-on-laboratory exercise where DNA was extracted from a banana. The protocol for this lab can be found here (in Swedish). We could see from the responses to our feedback form and from the responses to our interactive Menti-questions during the lecture that the students enjoyed the topics and had innovative ideas for how to solve real-world problems using synthetic biology.
When we asked the students "How can we reduce microplastic waste in the environment?" we received multiple insightful responses. We have collected some of them below.
PRO workshop
The next age group that we wanted to educate and raise awareness about synthetic biology was older adults. Thus, we contacted Pensionärernas Riksorganisation (PRO), a national association for pensioners where they organize different activities for the members. They have recently started a course in sustainability, which aims to spread awareness for those who aren’t familiar with the topic or want to learn more about it. During fall, we organized a workshop as guest lecturers to talk about synthetic biology, microplastic pollution and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) linked to synthetic biology and microplastics. The DNA extraction from a banana was also demonstrated by us to provide a practical view of how one can work with synthetic biology. Furthermore, the class was divided into smaller groups to discuss issues regarding these two topics related to ethics and policies. After the discussion session, every group got the opportunity to talk about their answers. The workshop ended with handing out feedback form, even though the majority of the class already expressed their appreciation.
Science fair - ForskarFredag
Towards the end of our iGEM journey, we got the opportunity to participate in ForskarFredag, a science fair for ninth grade and high school students. Students stopping by our booth got an introduction to what iGEM is, microplastic pollution and synthetic biology through the materials we had on display. We got the opportunity to show them our computer game, and it appeared to be a very much appreciated activity! Likewise, several students also took pictures of the DNA extraction instruction that they wanted to try out at home. Moreover, we had beforehand asked the students to come up with answers to the questions “How can we reduce microplastics in the environment?” and “How can synthetic biology help us towards a more sustainable future?”. These questions resulted in engaging talks with the participants, who came up with innovative solutions involving everything from nanotechnology to modified bacteria for production of breast cancer medicines. Several of the students also raised ethical considerations about the use of gene modified organisms, and we discussed why regulations of their use are necessary. As the main purpose of the science fair was to make science and the life of a researcher more understandable and exciting, we hope that the students left our booth more inspired. We can definitely conclude that the students inspired us to continue our efforts of making research more accessible to the public also in the future.
Online conference - NegPlast
In a collaborative effort with iGEM VIT-Vellore, we organised a highly impactful event - NegPlast online conference. This conference served as a vital platform for raising awareness about the pressing issue of microplastics. To ensure a broad reach, we extended invitations to esteemed researchers, stakeholders, and participants from around the world.
Our promotional efforts were extensive, including outreach through the iGEM Global Slack channel, email invitations to potential attendees, and strategic placement of QR codes across our college campus, allowing accessibility to attend the conference. We also were able to ask other iGEM teams to promote this event, expanding the outreach beyond Europe and Asia. In the lead-up to the conference, we maintained close communication with the iGEM VIT-Vellore team, collaboratively preparing presentations that outlined our problem statements, innovative solutions, results, and the rigorous human practices effort.
The ultimate aim of this seminar was to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded perspective on the issue of microplastics. To enhance the scope of the event, we have invited a diverse panel of speakers, who are from industry, research fields, and governance.
The five distinguished guest speakers not only shared their perspectives but also delved into the intricate research and practical challenges they are working on. Several innovative solutions with great potential were introduced, and the researchers regardless of their varying seniority and field showed us their equally inspiring work. As the program at NegPlast has been designed to appeal to the general audience, and the attendees were encouraged to participate by sending in the questions for discussion. During panel discussion, these questions were thoughtfully addressed by our experts.
We were delighted to host 63 participants for this seminar, with global audience from Sweden to India, Uganda to Korea. The seminar provided an open platform for sharing, learning, and discussion, which aligns perfectly with our message that everyone and anyone can join on this collective effort in facing the microplastics problem.
