Design

In order to promote the concept of environmental protection in general, and plastic pollution in particular, we have designed a series of colorful activities aimed at raising public awareness and action through the different stages of the perception triangle (feeling, thinking, acting). Through this series of multi-level and multi-form activities, we hope to inspire the public's emotional resonance for environmental issues, guide them to think deeply about the root causes and solutions of plastic pollution, and ultimately transform environmental protection concepts into practical actions, and jointly promote the development of society in a more green and sustainable direction.

Table 1:Cognitive triangle in education

An Interactive Quiz Event

Inspiring Minds with Science, Engaging Hearts with Green Living

At the event's kickoff, UESTC China members captivated the audience with an engaging video that spotlighted the perils of plastic pollution, succinctly conveying its ecological impact to the young attendees. The subsequent trivia challenge ignited the children's enthusiasm, fostering a deeper grasp of the issue through lively Q&A sessions. Centered around plastic pollution, the kids actively engaged, rewarded with bespoke eco-friendly seed paper badges that not only adorned their attire but also sowed the seeds of environmental consciousness within their hearts.

Creative Workshop

Creative Workshop: Upcycling Bottles into Art

UESTC China meticulously orchestrated a DIY bottle revamp, an initiative designed to unleash children's imagination and creativity. This hands-on experience encouraged kids to repurpose everyday plastic waste into aesthetically pleasing and functional art pieces. Under the tutelage of an instructor, children adorned and reimagined plastic bottles using an array of materials like paint, fabric, and twine.

Some transformed their bottles into vases to embellish their homes, while others crafted them into pencil holders or storage boxes, creating an organized space for school essentials. The most inventive among them even attempted to fashion small lamps or decorative pendants, breathing new life into discarded items.

These tangible activities not only taught children the art of upcycling but also ingrained the principles of sustainability. They discovered that with clever design and a touch of transformation, even the most mundane waste could be reborn, shining with renewed purpose as a decorative delight in life. This educational yet entertaining approach has significantly piqued children's curiosity and passion for environmental conservation, fostering a spirit of innovation and a sense of social duty.

The entire event not only fosters the holistic growth of children but also aids in advocating for a greener lifestyle within the community.

Harmony of Music and Environment

1. "As Wishes" and "Tomorrow Will Be Better"

UESTC China presented a distinctive talent showcase with a soulful violin performance of "As Wishes." The piece, accompanied by the rich tones of the violin, offered a fresh interpretation of the song, treating the audience to a symphony of sound that conveyed profound reverence and auspicious intentions for our planet.

This performance, a harmonious blend of music and environmental advocacy, transcended mere entertainment to become a profound dialogue of spirit and intellect. Prior to the performance, UESTC China provided an insightful prelude, sharing the narrative inspiration behind "As Wishes" and the song's poignant call for environmental stewardship. The violin performance then not only delighted the ears with its beauty but also resonated with the audience's hearts, emphasizing the criticality of safeguarding our Earth and preserving ecological equilibrium.

Following the performance, an interactive segment was curated to engage the audience in sharing their environmental insights and eco-friendly practices, or to pose questions on ecological conservation. UESTC China members, drawing from their research and experiences, addressed these queries, aiming to forge a connection between science and the public through the universal language of music. This initiative sought to inspire greater participation in environmental stewardship, rallying together for a greener and healthier Earth.

As a finale, a collective rendition of "Tomorrow Will Be Better" resonated, encapsulating the collective hope for a brighter future and underscoring the resolve to collaborate for a cleaner, more sustainable world. This chorus not only capped off the summer event "Saying No to Plastics, Reducing Pollution, and Greening the Future" on a high note but also sowed seeds of optimism in the hearts of the young, instilling a belief and commitment to the promise that together, we can indeed ensure a better tomorrow.

2. Music education video

With the main line of turning waste into treasure, we combined the results of human practice and Ai tools to create music education videos, and uploaded them to major platforms to share with environmental volunteers around the world.

This initiative will elevate youth consciousness regarding environmental concerns and, concurrently, invigorate the dissemination of scientific knowledge through the vibrant and engaging medium of music. It fosters a societal appreciation for the critical role of environmental conservation, thereby stimulating a wave of proactive and tangible actions towards sustainability.

Green Visions in Collage Poetry

A Creative Dialogue Between Children and Nature

iGEM members have ingeniously crafted an eco-friendly collage poetry activity to ignite the children's innovative thinking, guiding them to learn how to coexist harmoniously with nature. In this creative journey, iGEM members assume dual roles — as mentors and collaborators to the young minds. Under their supportive and enlightening guidance, the children embarked on a quest to gather an array of textual fragments centered around environmental conservation, encompassing poetry, prose, and journalistic narratives.

These textual fragments were meticulously clipped and subsequently categorized by theme and emotional resonance, such as "natural splendor," "environmental degradation," and "ecological stewardship." This process not only enhances the children's artistic expression but also deepens their understanding and appreciation of the environment, nurturing a sense of responsibility towards our planet.

Subsequently, the children embarked on a journey of imagination, meticulously arranging the textual fragments, experimenting with various combinations to find the most eloquent expression. They finesse the positioning of each word, delving into poetic structures that articulate their innermost thoughts and their vision for the environment. Some opted to juxtapose stark terms like "the sea cries" with "green shoots," underscoring the transformative narrative from past to present. Others, through the lyrical language of poetry, painted a picture of their ideal green home, whispering aspirations for "ecological revival and verdant growth." This creative endeavor not only kindles their creativity but also crystallizes their commitment to environmental advocacy.

In this enlightening journey, children have delved into the art of articulating their sentiments and viewpoints through words, uncovering a deeper narrative about humanity's bond with nature and the pivotal role each can play in safeguarding the environment. The collage poems crafted in this process are more than just cultural expressions; they are testaments to the children's ingenuity and artistic aptitude, sparking a profound sense of ecological stewardship and a stirring call to action.

These poetic endeavors have layered the activity with cultural significance, stirring in children a profound reflection on environmental preservation. They've come to recognize the potential of their own creativity and actions to weave a greener tomorrow. This formative experience has not only heightened their environmental consciousness but also sown seeds of optimism, nurturing within them the potential to become the sentinels of our planet's well-being in the years to come.

Science popularization classroom

On September 19, UESTC China graced Chengdu Binhe School with an innovative science enlightenment session titled "Unveiling Microplastics, Crafting a Green Tomorrow" This distinctive lesson focused on the burgeoning global concern of microplastic pollution. The event was designed to disseminate understanding of this environmental challenge through diverse educational approaches, ignite students' passion for environmental conservation, an

Vivid interpretation, interactive communication

At the commencement of the event, iGEM members posed a thought-provoking query to the students: "Do you deem bottled water or home-boiled water to be the healthier choice?" This question swiftly piqued the curiosity of the attendees, prompting a flurry of hands eager to share their perspectives. It not only invigorated the classroom ambiance but, more significantly, adeptly steered students' focus towards the subject of microplastics. The reality that both bottled and tap water may harbor microplastics to varying extents set the stage for the crux of the day's lesson.

Deep into simple, knowledge universal

Proceeding with a meticulously crafted PowerPoint presentation and engaging picture books adorned with vibrant colors and striking patterns, iGEM members elucidated the concept of microplastics—plastic particles, measuring less than 5 mm in diameter. They traced the origins of these minuscule plastic fragments, which stem from the disintegration of larger plastic debris, the microbeads in personal care products, and other sources. Further, they painted a picture of how microplastics have traversed the globe, permeating oceans, air, and even the food chain, highlighting their potential to disrupt ecosystems and jeopardize human health.

Practical advice, starts from me

In order to make the lesson more than just a theoretical learning, iGEM members also highlighted practical actions that everyone can take to reduce microplastic pollution. For example, reduce the use of single-use plastic products, choose reusable water cups and shopping bags, and properly dispose of waste plastic. In addition, children are encouraged to pass on their knowledge to those around them and practice a more environmentally friendly lifestyle together.

Through such an interesting and educational popular science class, the participating students not only had a profound understanding of microplastics, but more importantly, inspired their sense of responsibility for environmental protection. Everyone realizes that even the smallest efforts can contribute to the protection of our planet. iGEM members hope that in the future, through educational activities, more people will join in the protection of the blue planet.

1. Bilingual educational materials

We have made bilingual ppt for teams and environmental volunteers from different regions to learn, hoping to let more people know about microplastic pollution and join the cause of environmental protection.

2. Education picture book

We have designed and produced a set of educational picture books specially designed for children over 6 years old, using colorful patterns and vivid and interesting stories to stimulate children's interest in learning and creativity. This set of picture books can not only help children to learn new knowledge in a relaxed and pleasant atmosphere, but also promote the cognition and understanding of the importance of education by parents and the public, and deepen the attention and support of all sectors of society to the field of education. In this way, we hope to contribute to a more harmonious and educational social environment.

Interactive games

Learn through fun and interactive games

1. Game manual

Based on our own project, we refined several core processes of the project and transformed the game into a game manual for other teams and environmental volunteers to refer to.

• Accurate identification of PET: The process of identifying PET among different plastics is simulated. Each group has three bottles, each representing a different plastic. Rock-paper-scissors is played among groups, and the winning team can decide to exchange bottle caps or bottle bodies. Match the cap to the body of the bottle, and the first team to replace three complete bottles wins.
• Protein synthesis:Mimics the degradation of PET from large molecules to small molecules of TPA. PET hydrolase is composed of 3 amino acids, and each codon can be composed of amino acids. It is necessary to select the codon in the amino acid, spell out 9 combinations and write them on the paper to accelerate the degradation of PET.
• Assembling chemical bonds:Models the pathway from PET to the high-value product vanillin. - The students hold hands to change the composition of chemical bonds, which is recorded by the small assistant. Any composition of three chemical bonds is successful.
• Plasmid collision:Simulates the interaction process of three plasmids in a multi-enzyme system and converts intermediate products such as protocatechuic acid into vanillin. The obtained plasmid key paper is used to perform a countertouch. Each group sends one person to take a piece of key paper to the designated position, open the plasmid card. If it is consistent, the pairing is successful and placed on the card. If it is inconsistent, return and continue by the next person. The team that first turns over three and checks successfully is the winner.

2. Process of the activity

To render the theoretical knowledge more engaging, the event is structured around experimental activities and interactive games, segmented into four parts: "PET Identification", "Protein Synthesis", "Chemical Bond Assembly", and "Plasmid Crash". Students collaborate in teams to accomplish these challenges. These games assess students' observational skills and creativity, while also fostering teamwork, allowing for a profound understanding of environmental conservation.

The initial segment involves accurately identifying PET plastics. iGEM members form groups of students to recognize and categorize various plastics through a straightforward interactive game.

The second segment focuses on protein synthesis, where students must tap into their intellect and teamwork to devise 9 distinct protein combinations, leading to 9 intriguing puzzles.

The third segment challenges teams to assemble chemical bonds by synchronizing their movements to form corresponding bonds, demonstrating colleagues' imagination and innovation.

The final segment, the plasmid crash, has students carry plasmid puzzles and, through relay races and plasmid card checks, complete three sets of plasmid collisions, with the first team to finish emerging victorious.

These interactive games not only impart the fundamentals of microplastic pollution but also ignite students' interest and enthusiasm for environmental protection. Although the science class "Ditching Plastic for Green, Co-Drawing Ecological Blueprints" has concluded, its impact endures. Each participant is a mini environmental ambassador, committed to protecting our shared blue planet through personal action.

Knowledge and Innovation Competition

Plastc waste and pollution reduction ·Green Creativity--Environmental protection knowledge and Innovation Competition

On September 18, 2024, the "Waste Plastic and Pollution Reduction · Eco-magination" Environmental Protection Knowledge and Innovation Contest, backed by the Chengdu Bureau of Ecological Environment and co-organized by the College of Life Science and Technology of UESTC, the UESTC iGEM team, and the fifth Party Branch of Graduate students of the College of Life Science and Technology, successfully wrapped up. Centered on the theme "Saying No to White Pollution, Building a Green Future," the contest aimed to heighten public consciousness about plastic pollution and to spur environmental awareness and innovative capacity among the populace, particularly among young students.

Since its inception on September 9, the contest has seen enthusiastic participation from university students and individuals across various sectors. It comprises two main segments: the Practice Race and the Knowledge Race. The Knowledge Race assesses participants' understanding of plastic pollution and environmental conservation, while the Practice Race encompasses photography, calligraphy, poster design, and upcycling projects, encouraging participants to express their environmental concepts and creativity through diverse mediums.

After fierce competition, the contest ultimately awarded one first prize, two second prizes, three third prizes, and a number of excellence awards. The winners not only reaped generous rewards but also shared their environmental philosophies and creative works with a broader audience, inspiring everyone to join in the efforts to protect our environment and preserve ecological balance.

The successful conclusion of this contest not only disseminated environmental knowledge and increased public concern over plastic pollution but also showcased the commitment and proactive measures of the youth in tackling global environmental challenges. Moving forward, organizers are committed to sharing the outstanding works and valuable experiences from the contest through exhibitions and sharing sessions, fostering the growth of environmental education and practical initiatives.

We are convinced that with the collective efforts of society, the vision of "Saying No to Plastics and Reducing Pollution" can be realized. Let us join hands to craft a more vibrant green future.

Documentary

Documentary "The Story of Plastic"

On September 6, 2024, UESTC-China initiated the "Plastic Pollution Science Popularization and Documentary Viewing" event, designed to elevate the consciousness of students, educators, and the wider community regarding plastic pollution and to seek out effective solutions.

The event commenced with the iGEM team leader delivering an opening address, outlining the current state of plastic pollution and its profound environmental implications, underscoring the significance of the gathering. This was followed by a presentation by team members titled "Plastic Pollution: The State of Affairs and Challenges," which utilized comprehensive data and compelling case studies to deepen the participants' comprehension of the issue.

Participants then viewed the documentary "The Story of Plastic," which retraced the history of plastic pollution, exposed the oil and gas industry's involvement, and showcased the global resistance against fossil fuel extraction and plastic waste management. Post-screening, attendees engaged in small group discussions on the oil and gas industry's contribution to plastic pollution, the efficacy of existing recycling policies, and strategies for advocating the adoption of greener materials.

The concluding session featured each group's spokesperson presenting their discussions on stage, creating a dynamic and interactive atmosphere where ideas and proposals were actively shared. Numerous students expressed that the event had not only educated them on plastic pollution but also highlighted the significance of reducing daily plastic consumption. Following the presentations, an interactive Q&A session with the iGEM team addressed lingering questions from the audience.

This activity received accolades from both faculty and students, successfully increasing awareness of plastic pollution and promoting sustainable practices on campus and within the community at large. Looking ahead, UESTC China is committed to organizing more such events to encourage broader participation in environmental conservation efforts.

"Environmental youth talk"

Leading the dialogue between life science and environmental protection

With the increasingly severe global environmental problems, how to effectively use science and technology to solve these problems has become the focus of today's society. Based on their own research in the field of synthetic biology, iGEM team members join hands with the School of Life Sciences, hoping to transform their knowledge into practical actions through the platform of "Green Youth", popularize the concept of environmental protection to the public, and advocate a green lifestyle.

In order to encourage young people to understand and explore the link between biotechnology and environmental protection, stimulate their interest in scientific research and enthusiasm for environmental protection, we organized the "Green Youth Talk" activity. This activity covers hundreds of people and lasts for one month, which has various educational significance and communication value. The event aims to raise public awareness of the role of biotechnology in environmental protection, encourage more young people to participate in environmental protection actions, expand the influence of the event, and exercise young people's public speaking skills and environmental awareness.

We have built an exchange and sharing platform, hoping to let young people communicate directly, share experience, and jointly discuss ways and programs to improve the environmental situation, contributing young people's wisdom and youth programs. In the future, we will continue to cooperate closely with various colleges and social organizations to hold similar activities regularly, constantly enrich the forms and contents of activities, and strive to transform more scientific knowledge into social action, and contribute to the construction of a beautiful China.

Summary

We have carefully planned and implemented a number of creative activities with the aim of enabling students to acquire knowledge in a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere, and stimulating their interest and potential in learning, which will have an impact on the society and the youth in terms of language, thinking, collaboration and other dimensions. Below is a summary of our recent activities:

Table 2:The significance and feedback of the education section