Section 1 : Overview
As a cutting-edge interdiscipline, the synthetic biology is accepted by public gradually. We HUST-China have made effort to illustrate its core conception in a lighthearted and straightforward way and strengthen our influence step by step.
Fig. 1. Overview of education
Section 2 : On campus
2.1 the summer camp for high-school students
Inviting excellent high-school students from different background, we introduced the basic knowledge of synthetic biology to them as well as the International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition(iGEM). To help them gain a deep comprehension of this complex subject，we shared our project ‘REE MINER’ as an example. Theoretical knowledge aside, simple microbiology lab skills were also taught by us which is highly beneficial for these youth to put what they learn into practice and inspire their enthusiasm towards synthetic biology.
Fig. 2. The introduction of iGEM
Fig. 3. Sharing our project ‘REE MINER’
2.2 A lecture for Chinese and exchanged students
In order to promote international communication，we held a lecture for exchanged students studying in our college and local students as well. Considering these peers were equipped with certain professional knowledge, we not only gave a brief introduction of the modern development of synthetic biology, but also provided them an opportunity to discuss and gain new perspectives from others.
Fig. 4. Lecture for exchanged students
Section 3 : Collective science lecture with CUG
Stepping out of our campus, we cooperated with China university of geosciences, Wuhan and launched a collective science lecture, aiming to introduce the relevant knowledge of synthetic biology and the projects of our two teams to the freshmen. Professor of CUG drew an analogy between the cell and computer, which really aroused students’ interest towards remolding engineering bacteria. Projects made by our two teams broadened their horizon in the application of this subject.
After illustrating the backgrounds of rare earth elements, we got to the core idea designing our project. And we introduced the details of our project as an optimized absorption kit of rare earth element to them.
Fig. 5. Offline meeting of the collective lecture
Section 4 : Wuhan city: the science popularization in Wuhan Museum of science and technology
4.1 the design of synthetic biology games
We HUST-China designed a brand-new game，which reveals the process of creating the creature people need.
Game rules:
Step 1: choosing E. coli or yeast as the biological chassis and sticking it on a piece of paper
We selected E. coli and yeast as the representative engineering creature of prokaryotes and eukaryotes separately.
Step 2: Picking proper promoters, functional genes and terminators from 3 boxes
To close to the conception of the registry，we sorted these parts stickers into 3 different boxes（promoters、genes、terminators），participates can pick what they need from these boxes.
Step 3: Sticking chosen parts on the chassis in a correct order
Having receiving the training of the function of each parts and demonstration of its proper order, players will find that playing this game can not only give them the opportunity of experiencing synthetic biology in person without going to the lab, but also strengthen their understanding towards this complex research area.
Fig. 6. The design of synthetic biology games
Fig. 7. Hand-made boxes representing the registry
4.2 the effects:
On August 25th in 2022, the science popularization activity was launched as schedule in Wuhan Museum of science and technology. Our team member Xuran Chen interpreted the meaning of synthetic biology via the analogy with circuit and the applications of synthetic biology in our daily life.
A 8-year-old boy was introducing his design, which is a yeast that can generate abundant yellow pigment.
Fig. 8. Sharing session
4.3 Feedbacks:
We received the feedbacks from children and parents. Many people said that it was their first time to get access to synthetic biology and thanks to this activity，they realized the beauty of it .
Fig. 9. Filling out the feedback form
Section 5 : Hubei province: Volunteer teaching in remote mountain area
To facilitate the equity in education, we arrived in the Fengle primary school and brought them with the cutting-edge knowledge about synthetic biology. The synthetic biology game were also carried out among these pupils. They were totally immersed in the joy of experiencing science. The classroom was filled with laughter and the sound of discussion.
What really surprised us was that the young generation having the strong hunger for knowledge asked numerous questions about the synthetic biology, ranging from the function of E.coli to the future development of the new branch of science.
Fig. 11. Q&A session
Section 6 : Jiangxi province：communication with the authorites
Aside from students，we also spread the knowledge of synthetic biology to the people charging for rare earth mining, aiming to bring advanced technology to the factory field. Paying a visit to Ganzhou city in Jiangxi province, we gave a presentation of our project to the China Southern Rare Earth Group and had a heating discussion with relevant experts, providing them with new ideas of solving the problem of absorbing rare earth elements.
Fig. 12. Communication with China Southern Rare Earth Group
Section 7 : China: TV programs
‘Future China’ is a science program of Dragon TV. We were honored to be invited to assist the shooting of an episode in the theme of synthetic biology. Demonstrating the practice of incubating bacteria and presenting our projects, we HUST-China shouldered the responsibility of spreading synthetic biology to the public. We also utilized the synthetic biology technology to create a fluorescent sign for this program.
Fig. 13. Assisting the shooting
Fig. 14. The fluorescent sign
Section 8 : China: TV programs
8.1 QQ account
QQ account is the one that we used for propagandize our team activity and update our project progress. We posted our promotion video, online questionnaire as well as many daily moments, receiving a growing popularity among Chinese college students.
Fig. 15. QQ account
8.2 Bilibili account
Bilibili is a video app, which is all the rage among young generations these days. Therefore, we set up an account to upload a serious of videos which are highly beneficial for novices to get access to synthetic biology. The basic knowledge like molecular biology, biochemistry was taught by our team members. At the same time, we also shared some tips of doing science research, like some websites for consulting relevant references or the use of pipettes.
Fig. 16. Bilibili account
8.3 Twitter account
In terms of international followers, we enlarged our range of influence with the help of Twitter app. We sent moments simultaneously on twitter and QQ.
Fig. 17. Twitter account
8.4 Official reports
Our science popularization activity was also praised by the Science and Technology Museum and reported it on their official accounts.
Fig. 18. Official reports
Now we are ready for interacting with teams from all over the world. Let us promote the development of synthetic biology with collective force!
