Overview
Synthetic biology is a relatively new and emerging discipline, and the general public has limited knowledge of it. We believe that it is important to educate the masses about this subject, which is why we have started holding synthetic biology lectures aimed at young people. In terms of potential customers, we focus on spreading knowledge about bacteria. When educating and communicating, we not only popularize the content of the project but also teach people about synthetic biology by emphasizing polyethylene-degrading enzymes. Firstly, we introduce the concept of the project. By describing how we use the tools of synthetic biology to address issues that concern us, the audience gains an understanding of its common tools and applications.
Lectures
In order to expand access to synthetic biology, XJU_CHINA has designed a variety of teaching methods to optimise the effect of targeting different populations.
Primary School
In 2024, we traveled to Shenzhen Xinyi Primary School for a mission trip. Upon arrival, we found that the local educational resources were quite abundant. In the classroom, students actively participated in answering related questions. The presenter taught them the fundamental principles of synthetic biology and shared our laboratory experiences to promote the popularization of synthetic biology.
Middle School
We visited XianYi Foreign Language School in Longgang District, Shenzhen, to deliver a presentation to middle school students. The students already had some foundational knowledge in biology and chemistry. We began with the curriculum and explained our project content in a clear and comprehensible manner. Additionally, we introduced the fundamentals of biosynthesis to both the teachers and students at the school.
High School
For high school students, we organized an in-person course presentation. High school sophomores had already acquired the fundamentals of genetic engineering but were less familiar with synthetic biology and cutting-edge technologies. Therefore, we introduced synthetic biology starting from their basic curriculum and presented our project to them.
College
At the College of Life Science and Technology at Xinjiang University, we invited incoming freshmen from the class of 2024 to share their knowledge of biosynthesis. With their relevant academic backgrounds, participants actively engaged in discussions about biosynthesis. Our spokesperson took this opportunity to further promote our project during the question-and-answer session.
Following the warm invitation from the students, our project team conducted a lecture on biosynthesis at the Future Technology College. In alignmentwith the college's distinctive educational model, we provided comprehensive and multi-dimensional explanations, progressing from fundamental to advanced concepts, which significantly enhanced the attendees' comprehension of biosynthesis.
Concurrently, our project has entered into a collaborative agreement with the Shuimogou District Youth Science Academy.
Post information the in ins and wechat
1. Let the public know what synthetic biology is, and stimulate their interest in synthetic biology and our project;
2. Let more people know that we truly want to help;
3. Bringing the people closer to us and informing us about public issues.
Summary
During the course of this year's EDUCATION, we conducted face-to-face science and synthetic biology presentations to nearly 1,000 people, expanding the visibility of synthetic biology, and conducted an online introduction to the literature on polyethylene biodegradation for nearly 500 people, increasing interest in polyethylene biodegradation. In the process, we have also accumulated a lot of knowledge, skills and experience by searching the literature, organising popularisation activities and writing related texts.
