Education and Public Engagement
Primary School Kids Education and Workshop
Description
Throughout our experiment, we've discovered how science can be applied in real-life situations and how science is important in our daily lives. Therefore, we think that there is a demand to share our science knowledge and promote science education, especially among the younger generation. To meet our purpose, we conducted a science program lasting 5 days at Huaxing Elementary School (from August 18 to 23, 2024) and aimed to promote the importance of science to primary school students and spark their curiosity about science through hands-on science experiments, such as mini volcanoes and non- newtonian fluid. While these experiments are attention-grabbing, the fun learning experiences have encouraged students to explore scientific topics that are beyond what they have learned during the 5- day program.
Reflection
The workshop with primary school children provided an opportunity to inspire young school kids. Making complex scientific ideas into simplified concepts for children helped us better appreciate the importance of science communication. It also reminded us of the value of education and public engagement as critical components to promote scientific mindset and inspire interest in technology. This activity also taught us that triggering children interest in science can make an impact on a lifelong passion for exploration of future technology.
STEAM Fair and Workshop
Description
As part of our commitment to education and public engagement, our iGEM team organized a STEAM fair and workshop for junior high school students. The event featured hands-on activities designed to introduce students to fundamental concepts in biology and biotechnology. We guided them through the construction of DNA double helix origami, demonstrated a simple method for raw DNA extraction from bananas, taught them how to use pipettes, and provided a live demonstration of DNA gel electrophoresis.
Reflection
Through this workshop, we observed the excitement and curiosity in the eyes of the students as they engaged with the scientific concepts and techniques. Their enthusiastic participation gave us positive responses to the importance of outreach activities which can inspire the next generation of future iGEMers in our campus. This experience also increased our own understanding and communication skills as we simplified complex topics for a younger audience, making science easy and fun.
Campus Lectures
In our effort to engage the various communities and enhance the educational experience, our iGEM team hosted two pivotal lectures on campus. These lectures were designed to improve our knowledge of key areas related to our project, including synthetic biology and enzyme applications. Through these talks, we aimed to provide not only theoretical knowledge but also practical applications, while also giving a greater appreciation for the role of biotechnology in global challenges and issues.
Synthetic Biology Talk
Description
We had the privilege of hosting a lecture on synthetic biology by Professor Ying-Chou Chen from the Department of Life Sciences and Institute of Genome Sciences at National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University. Professor Chen is a distinguished researcher with expertise in genome sciences, particularly in the areas of molecular biology and synthetic biology. His work involves basic research and practical applications, making complex concepts easy to understand for the high school students.
During the lecture, Professor Chen provided an overview of synthetic biology, covering the foundational principles and the latest advancements in the field. He emphasized the potential of synthetic biology to address real-world challenges, such as improving agricultural practices and developing new biotechnological applications. His insights into the ethical considerations and the future direction of synthetic biology were particularly valuable, stimulating discussions among our team members and the broader campus community.
Reflection
Professor Chen's talk enhanced our understanding of synthetic biology and its applications, particularly in relation to our project on enzyme-supplemented animal feed. His expertise helped us to see the broader implications of our work, not just from a scientific standpoint but also in terms of its potential impact on society. The knowledge we gained from this lecture directly influenced our project design and encouraged us to think critically about the ethical and practical aspects of our research.
Enzyme Application Talk
Description
We were honored to have Professor Hung-Jen Liu from the Institute of Molecular Biology at National Chung Hsing University have a talk on the applications of enzymes in biotechnology. Professor Liu is renowned for his extensive research on enzymes, particularly in their application in various industrial processes and biotechnological innovations. His work has greatly advanced the understanding and application of enzymes in fields such as agriculture, environmental science, and industrial bioprocessing.
During the talk, Professor Liu provided an overview of how enzymes are being used in modern biotechnology. He highlighted their role in enhancing agricultural productivity, improving animal feed efficiency, and developing sustainable industrial processes. The discussion also covered the challenges and opportunities in enzyme application, including the development of more robust and efficient enzyme systems for diverse uses.
Reflection
Professor Liu's lecture increased our understanding of the practical applications of enzymes, directly matching the goals of our project. His insights into the potential of enzymes from lab to industries, especially in agriculture, inspired us to design experimental work and products by using enzyme-supplemented animal feed. The knowledge gained from this talk not only strengthened our experimental strategies but also emphasized the impact of our work on society and the environment.