Guided by this ancient wisdom, CUG-China's education program is dedicated to daily renovation—sparking scientific curiosity in minds of all ages, bridging the educational gap for underserved communities, and fostering public dialogue about a sustainable future built through synthetic biology. We believe that true innovation lies not only in our project's design but also in our commitment to nurturing the next generation of scientists and stewards of the planet.

Bridging the Gap: Science for All

Why We Reached Out: Our Motivation

We chose to venture deep into the mountains of Yangxin County to Shantian Complete Primary School with a clear purpose: to bring the light of scientific enlightenment to an educational environment with relatively scarce resources. The school's remote location makes transportation challenging, and the academic focus has long been concentrated on exam-oriented subjects. We realized that for the more than 120 students—ranging from preschoolers to junior high graduates—this might be their very first encounter with a true hands-on science class. For us, advancing 'Educational Equity (SDG 4)'' means ensuring that every child, regardless of their surroundings, has the opportunity to experience the wonder of life sciences and ignite their innate curiosity.

Rural Science Outreach Program

July 6-27, 2025 | Shantian Complete Primary School, Huangshi, Hubei

The Challenge: Bridging the Educational Divide

The real challenge lay in breaking down both material and cognitive barriers. Through initial communication with the school, we learned that science education was nearly absent from the curriculum. Many of the children had never even visited a zoo; their understanding of the living world was limited to farm animals and crops they saw daily. This lack of early scientific exposure constrained the boundaries of their imagination. Our mission became clear: to build a bridge connecting these students to the vast, vibrant world of science.

Our Action: Designing Immersive & Joyful Learning Experiences

We firmly believe that the best learning grows from interest. Moving away from traditional lecturing, we designed a series of interactive and gamified nature-science lessons centered on the theme: 'Understanding Life, Respecting Nature'.

From Games to Knowledge:
In the lesson 'Hide-and-Seek Challenge,'we asked children to find animals cleverly hidden within pictures. This fun activity naturally introduced abstract concepts like 'camouflage” and “mimicry', helping them understand how organisms adapt to their environment through laughter and play.

From Animation to Reality:
Using the beloved cartoon 'SpongeBob SquarePants,' we guided the children to identify the real marine animals behind characters like Patrick Star (starfish) and Squidward, transforming fictional fun into motivation to explore the real natural world.

From Life to Gratitude:
In the lesson 'This Is How We Grow Up,' we used vivid pictures and videos to show the birth and growth of animals like chickens, frogs, cats, and dogs, explaining oviparity, viviparity, and ovoviviparity. We particularly emphasized the miracle of life, guiding the children to appreciate its preciousness and feel gratitude towards their mothers.

The Change: Sparks Ignited and Lessons Learned

Our efforts ignited visible sparks. After the classes, the children's eyes shone with newfound curiosity and wonder for the natural world. They began actively asking about the names of plants and animals around them and posed thoughtful questions like, 'Why do baby frogs look so different from their parents?'

For our team, this experience was profoundly educational. Witnessing the children's eyes light up with new knowledge reinforced our belief that effective science outreach is the most efficient way to 'plant seeds.' to 'plant seeds.' From these children, who live in close connection with nature, we gained a pure and genuine perspective on life—a reminder that all technological innovation should ultimately serve the well-being of life itself.

Spark Curiosity: Inspiring the Next Generation

Children

Why We Started with the Youngest Minds: Planting Seeds of Curiosity

We firmly believe that the cultivation of scientific literacy begins with the earliest explorations in life. Children aged 3 to 6 possess an innate, unfettered curiosity; every 'why' they ask about the world represents the purest starting point for scientific thinking. Therefore, we directed our efforts towards preschoolers. This is not merely an early introduction to knowledge but a crucial early intervention.

Our goal was to leverage hands-on, interactive experiences and play-based learning during this critical window of cognitive development to define 'science' as a fun and accessible activity. This approach effectively demystifies advanced science for young children and fosters a deep-seated sense of awe and love for the natural world from an early age, which deeply aligns with the principles of Sustainable Development Goal 15 (Life on Land). Through the collaborative 'university-kindergarten-family' model, we not only ignited the children's curiosity but also amplified the enthusiasm for scientific exploration within their families, laying the groundwork for nurturing future guardians of our environment and scientifically-minded citizens.

1. Future City Kindergarten Science Immersion Program

March 19 & 26, 2025|China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

Connection: Bringing University Science to Young Learners

CUG-China partnered with the Future City Kindergarten and the University's Environmental Science specimen collection to create a unique science experience for young children. University-level specimens of corals, insects, and butterflies were made accessible to the preschoolers through a carefully designed, interactive program. This collaboration provided a direct bridge between advanced academic resources and early childhood education, moving beyond one-way instruction to create a shared learning journey. Following the activity, many families reported increased interest in nature documentaries and science books, demonstrating a ripple effect beyond the classroom.

Dialogue: Learning Through Guided Discovery

The interaction was designed around inquiry and observation. In the specimen room, children were guided to explore using a 'phenomenon-based' approach—for example, using magnifying glasses to discover the secrets of butterfly wing patterns. During outdoor exploration, children were encouraged to observe and describe insects and birds in their natural habitat. This method fostered a co-creative learning atmosphere where children's natural curiosity blended with facilitators' scientific knowledge.

Growth: Meaningful Outcomes for Children and Our Team

The activity delivered measurable growth on multiple levels:
For the children:
Through the process of observing specimens, exploring nature, and expressing their findings, the children developed a tangible connection to biology. Many could identify multiple local bird species, showing early engagement with biodiversity (SDG 15).
For CUG-China:
The experience honed our ability to communicate complex topics to very young audiences. Inspired by the children's imaginative responses (like calling a butterfly a 'wing doctor'), we developed story-based teaching tools that make synthetic biology concepts relatable. This reinforces the role of scientists as educators and innovators.

2. Future City Parent-Child Science Event

May 31, 2025 | China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

The Challenge: Making Synthetic Biology Relatable

While synthetic biology holds great potential, its complex concepts—like microbes, genes, and DNA—often feel abstract and distant to the public, especially children. Many kids grow up believing 'all bacteria are bad,' with little understanding of how microorganisms can be engineered for good. This gap in science literacy can limit early interest in one of the most promising fields of the future.

Our Action: Learning Through Play

On Children's Day, we designed hands-on activities to make science tangible and fun:
Color-a-Microbe:
Kids colored illustrations of beneficial bacteria, learning about 'cellular workers' that produce medicines or break down waste.
Fold Your DNA:
Families built paper models of the DNA double helix while volunteers explained how DNA acts like life's instruction manual.

The Change: Sparking Curiosity

The event transformed children's perceptions. One child exclaimed, 'I never knew bacteria could be helpful!' while a parent shared that their child asked on the way home: 'Can we design a bacteria to eat plastic?' Through coloring and crafts, we showed families that science can begin with play—planting seeds of curiosity that may one day grow into a passion for biology and engineering.

3. Rural Science Outreach Program

July 6-27, 2025 | Shantian Complete Primary School, Huangshi, Hubei

As a key component of our scientific enlightenment efforts for children and adolescents, we conducted an immersive natural science program at Shantian Complete Primary School in Hubei Province, engaging students from preschool to junior high levels. This initiative represented one of our most distinctive educational activities, featuring the widest age range of participants in a unique rural setting.

To learn more about how we tailored courses for different age groups and the impact achieved, please explore our detailed page on this rural outreach program.

High school students

Why We Engaged with High School Students: Igniting Scientific Curiosity at a Pivotal Age

High school students stand at a critical juncture in their scientific journey—they possess foundational knowledge yet often lack exposure to cutting-edge research like synthetic biology. Our goal was to bridge this gap by transforming abstract concepts into tangible, interactive experiences that demonstrate how science extends far beyond textbooks.

Through hands-on activities and open dialogue, we aimed to accomplish two key objectives: to build confidence in their ability to engage with complex scientific topics, and to inspire interest in international platforms like iGEM where they can actively contribute to solving real-world challenges. This engagement was a true two-way exchange—while we introduced students to the possibilities of synthetic biology, their insightful questions and fresh perspectives provided valuable feedback that helped refine our own project approach.

4. Science Outreach at Wuhan No.3 High School

April 22, 2025 | Wuhan No.3 High School

Challenge: Breaking Down Barriers to Synthetic Biology

For many high school students, synthetic biology remains an abstract and intimidating field—filled with complex terms like 'carbon fixation" and 'genetic engineering,' but lacking tangible connection to their world. We recognized that to spark genuine interest, we needed to transform these concepts into interactive experiences that students could see, touch, and engage with directly.

Action: Learning Through Playful Competition

We designed a series of gamified activities to make synbio accessible and fun:
SynBio Quiz Challenge：
Students answered questions ranging from 'What is the smallest unit of life?' to 'How can microbes capture CO₂?' Each correct answer helped them construct a mental model of our project's 'cellular factory' concept.
Keyword Matching Game：
Using a card-matching game featuring terms like 'gene editing' and 'synthetic biology,'' students familiarized themselves with key vocabulary through repetition and play.
Gene Sequence Relay：
In a fast-paced team challenge, students collaborated to 'spell' DNA sequences under time pressure, simulating the precision and logic of genetic design.

Impact: From Spectators to Active Learners

The event fostered lively participation, with students gathering around stations to discuss answers and collect stamps for prizes. Post-activity feedback showed that over 90% of participants felt more confident engaging with synthetic biology, describing it as a 'powerful and approachable toolkit.' By replacing lectures with games, we not only conveyed knowledge but also built students’ belief that they can be active contributors to science—not just passive observers.

5.Synthetic Biology Seminar at Hebei Xiongan Bo'ao High School

February 10, 2025 | Hebei Xiongan Bo'ao High School

Connection: Bringing iGEM to the Classroom

We visited Bo'ao High School with a clear goal: to bridge the gap between textbook biology and cutting-edge synthetic biology. While students had a solid foundation in basic biological concepts, most were unfamiliar with synbio as a creative discipline—and few had heard of iGEM, a platform where students can engineer biological systems to tackle global challenges. We aimed to serve as their first introduction to this exciting field.

Dialogue: A Two-Way Exchange of Ideas

Our session evolved into a dynamic conversation. We introduced iGEM's philosophy of 'engineering life' and explained how our project uses microbes to address environmental issues. What stood out, however, were the students' thoughtful questions—such as 'How do you ensure biosafety?' and 'Is this technology cost-effective enough to be implemented?' Their insightful engagement pushed us to consider the ethical and practical dimensions of our work from new angles.

Growth: Inspiring Future Innovators, Refining Our Work

The seminar not only sparked the students' interest in synthetic biology and international competitions but also provided our team with valuable perspectives. Their curiosity and critical thinking inspired us to refine aspects of our project, turning the session into a genuine mutual learning experience. We left not merely as educators, but as co-learners motivated by the potential of the next generation.

University students

Why We Engaged with University Students: Investing in the Future of SynBio

We see university students not just as an audience, but as future co-creators. Our outreach is timed to their academic beginning, aiming to spark cross-disciplinary passion and show how their unique skills can help solve global challenges. This proactive talent cultivation is our commitment to SDG 4 and the long-term health of synthetic biology.

6. iGEM Presentation for the Class of 2025

September 6, 2025 | China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

Connection: Building a Bridge to SynBio

On September 6th, CUG-China successfully hosted an iGEM introductory session for over 400 freshmen. Recognizing this as a critical period for shaping academic interests, we designed the session as a bridge between high school knowledge and university-level research. We simplified complex concepts into relatable modules—such as survey design and community interviews—to demystify synthetic biology and encourage participation.

Dialogue: From Uncertainty to Inquiry

Rather than a traditional lecture, we prioritized open dialogue. We observed a clear evolution in the questions asked: students initially expressed doubts about their ability to contribute, but gradually engaged deeply with project specifics, such as the carbon fixation mechanisms of engineered bacteria. Many began exploring how their own skills could align with iGEM projects, demonstrating early-stage interdisciplinary thinking.

Growth: A Two-Way Educational Experience

The session benefited both the freshmen and our team. Newcomers gained a clearer understanding of synthetic biology and a potential path toward involvement. For CUG-China, participant feedback led to tangible improvements in our educational materials—such as developing story-based learning kits and creating discipline-crossing guides—enhancing the effectiveness of our future outreach efforts.

7. University-Industry Matchmaking Forum

March 23, 2025 | China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

Connection: Bringing SynBio to a Career Context

On March 23rd, CUG-China was invited as an outstanding campus innovation team to participate in the Hubei Hundred-Schools Spring Job Fair, attended by over 5,000 students. We set up a lightweight display panel at the entrance corridor, featuring a QR code to our official account and distributing popular science leaflets introducing our project, effectively embedding synthetic biology into a career-oriented setting.

Dialogue: Engaging Non-Biology Majors

During the peak hours, our team members served as 'roaming ambassadors,' initiating conversations with students from computer science, economics, geography, and other non-biology majors. Through short, focused exchanges, we introduced the vision of synthetic biology and demonstrated its interdisciplinary relevance.

Growth: Enhancing Reach & Communication Skills

The activity significantly boosted our online visibility, with over 70 new followers gained through the QR code. More importantly, it provided a real-world training ground for our members to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible language, strengthening their science communication skills in a public and professional environment.

Community Dialogue: Sharing Science Beyond the Lab

Why We Reached Out to the Community

We believe that synthetic biology cannot thrive in isolation. For scientific innovation to truly serve society, it must be understood, discussed, and embraced by the people it aims to benefit. Our public engagement initiatives are founded on the principle that science belongs to everyone.

Therefore, we stepped out of the campus and into community spaces—from local fairs to family-centric events. Our goal was twofold: to demystify complex science for a general audience, making concepts like genetic engineering tangible through interactive games, and to empower parents and community members to become active participants in scientific dialogue. By meeting people where they are, we aim to build a foundational understanding and foster a culture of informed curiosity that supports responsible innovation for the future.

1. Science Outreach at the Community Fair

March 6, 2025 | China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

Inspiration: Bringing SynBio to the Public

We believe synthetic biology should not be confined to laboratories or academic settings—it belongs in the public sphere. To make synbio accessible and engaging for people of all ages and backgrounds, we designed interactive activities that translate complex concepts into everyday experiences.

Dialogue: Interactive Learning Through Play

At the community fair, we set up two main stations to foster hands-on learning:
SynBio Card Matching Game：
We created a custom card set featuring key terms like 'plasmid,' 'gene editing,' and 'microbial factory.' Participants flipped cards to find matches, reinforcing terminology through playful competition.
Science Q&A Corner：
Through thoughtful questions and dialogue, we helped visitors discover connections between synthetic biology and their daily lives. Many expressed surprise with reactions like, 'So that's how it works!'

Growth: Engaging the Community, Refining Our Approach

The event successfully attracted families, students, and local residents, creating a lively atmosphere of collaborative learning. Children eagerly absorbed concepts through games, while adults appreciated the relatable explanations. This experience not only broadened public understanding of synbio but also sharpened our ability to communicate science clearly and creatively outside the lab.

2. Future City Parent-Child Science Event

May 31, 2025 | China University of Geosciences (Wuhan)

Our community outreach extends beyond individuals to engage families as a whole. The Future City Parent-Child Science Event exemplifies this approach. A key insight from this activity was that effective science communication must not only ignite children's curiosity but also equip parents to become their child's "first science mentor." Through hands-on collaboration, parents not only guided their children but also gained a deeper understanding of how synthetic biology connects to daily life—enabling them to continue the scientific conversation at home.

To learn more about how interactive activities like coloring and DNA model folding fostered family learning, please visit the "Education for Children" section of our wiki.

3. Online Science Communication: Bringing Synthetic Biology into Daily Life

Inspiration: Why We Chose Digital Outreach

We recognized that sustainable science communication must transcend the limitations of physical events and become integrated into the public's daily life. In an era of fragmented information, we sought new ways to make synthetic biology more accessible and consistently visible to a broader audience.

Creation: What We Designed

We created a series of lively and relatable stickers based on our project's core microbe — Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans — transforming this specialized microorganism into memorable cartoon characters. Through our official WeChat public account, we regularly published original content including simplified science explanations and records of our activities, building a stable and continuously updated platform for science outreach.

Growth: How We Expanded Our Impact

The sticker series sparked organic sharing on social media, allowing scientific concepts to subtly enter daily conversations. Though still growing, our WeChat account has gathered nearly 300 followers with an average readership of about 450 per article, gradually forming a small but dedicated community of science enthusiasts. This model of "visual storytelling + consistent content delivery" has opened a sustainable pathway for public engagement with synthetic biology.

4. Supporting Materials & Creative Outreach

In addition to our interactive activities, we also designed a range of culturally-inspired items to help make synthetic biology more visible and engaging in everyday contexts. These creative products—all developed around the theme of our project—served as accessible conversation starters and memorable tokens of the science we aim to share.