Summary
As we explore the world around us, it's clear that synthetic biology is becoming an increasingly important part of our lives. From glowing bioluminescent waves to genetically modified foods enriched with protein, synthetic biology offers powerful ways to better understand our environment while also driving technological progress. For this reason, we believe it is essential to educate our community about both the everyday presence and the broader impacts of synthetic biology, using our own research as an example of its transformative potential.
We reached out to local schools in our community in order to educate them and spread informative lessons on synthetic biology. We used these interactive and fun lessons to pique their interests in various topics such as DNA, plasmids, microbes, and the prevalence of synthetic biology in everyday life. Additionally we conducted a week-long forensics themed summer camp, teaching how to solve simple crimes using chemistry techniques, fingerprinting, hair analysis, pH tests, missing powders. With these interactive lessons, children were able to have fun and truly take in how prevalent synthetic biology is in everyday life.
In addition to this, our team published a third edition of a children's book to the original "Perry the Plasmid" to educate future generations on synthetic biology and plasmids in a fun, and interactive way.
Summer Camps
One of our primary goals was to spark curiosity about synthetic biology at an early age. This year, we focused on expanding our outreach to elementary school students. At this level, science instruction is often very broad, with an emphasis on life and earth sciences. According to the California Science Content Standards, more complex topics such as chemical reactions are not introduced until 5th grade—and even then, only in a simplified way: "Students know differences in chemical and physical properties of substances are used to separate mixtures and identify compounds."
Camp Activities
Chemical Testing
pH measurement, solubility tests, and reactions with HCl and iodine
Fingerprint Analysis
Learning identification techniques through hands-on forensic methods
Chromatography
Paper chromatography demonstrations and experiments
Kahoot Quizzes
Interactive review sessions with friendly competition
Beyond chemical testing, we introduced students to other forensics-based activities such as fingerprint analysis and paper chromatography. The week wrapped up with lively Kahoot quizzes, giving students the chance to review material while enjoying some friendly competition.
Because safety is especially important when working with young learners, we consistently reinforced proper lab practices. Students wore goggles at all times, learned never to taste or ingest samples, and practiced wafting techniques instead of directly smelling substances. These habits helped build confidence in safe experimentation while keeping the experience engaging.
To extend the impact of our program, we compiled our lesson plans and presentation slides into a resource archive. This five-day curriculum—complete with instructions for hands-on lab activities—can be used by teachers, science educators, and other iGEM teams who want to replicate or adapt the camp for their own outreach efforts.
Summer Camp Materials
Browse our complete week-long curriculum and activity guides
Children's Book
To further engage younger students, we wrote and illustrated a fun and educational children's picture book designed to spark curiosity about synthetic biology. Told through the perspective of Perry the Plasmid, the story follows Perry's adventure to save the "Bioverse" from danger, teaching concepts such as DNA, mRNA, gene expression, and plasmid functions through engaging characters and illustrations. Along the way, Perry teams up with Manny the mRNA, learns how genes can be turned on and off, and travels into the worlds of plants, animals, and bacteria, where he helps solve real biological challenges like drought resistance and DNA repair.
The story also introduces children to CRISPR, personified as a mischievous character with scissors, creating a conflict that highlights both the power and risks of genetic engineering. With problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity, Perry ultimately saves the Bioverse using the "Code of Life" and returns home as a celebrated hero.
The book uses interactive elements such as decoding amino acids, hands-on puzzles, and playful illustrations to make complex biological concepts both fun and accessible. By emphasizing resilience, curiosity, and the power of science, our goal was to inspire young readers to see themselves as future problem-solvers in the field of synthetic biology.
This book continues the Perry the Plasmid series that we began last year, expanding the storyline while deepening its educational value. We shared the story at public libraries, combining storytelling with outreach to connect with children in our community and encourage the next generation of budding scientists. We also created an audiobook and translated the book to Korean to make it more accessible across wide audiences.
Book Features
Interactive Elements
Decoding amino acids, hands-on puzzles, and engaging activities throughout
Key Concepts
DNA, mRNA, gene expression, plasmid functions, and CRISPR technology
Accessibility
Available as audiobook and translated to Korean for wider reach
Read Perry the Plasmid in Both English and Korean!
English Version
Korean Version
Library Talks
This year, we expanded our outreach by hosting four library talks across both local and non-local branches, aimed at showing children how synthetic biology connects to everyday life.
Together with our summer camp, these library talks gave children ages 6–12 an accessible introduction to synthetic biology. Each one-hour weekly session built on what students typically learn in school, offering them an early opportunity to explore science in a hands-on and engaging way. We introduced exciting topics such as edible microbes, bacteria capable of breaking down plastic, the possibilities of gene and cell therapy, and the basics of genetic engineering.
To make each session interactive, we included fun activities at the end. Students inflated "yeast balloons" to observe living microbes in action, and joined Kahoot quizzes that tested what they had learned while fostering excitement and friendly competition.
Through these library programs, we were able to inspire curiosity and introduce synthetic biology to the next generation of scientists, strengthening both our local iGEM presence and the broader synthetic biology community.
Topics Covered
Edible Microbes
Exploring beneficial microorganisms in food and nutrition
Plastic-Eating Bacteria
Understanding bioremediation and environmental applications
Gene & Cell Therapy
Introduction to medical applications of genetic engineering
Genetic Engineering Basics
Fundamental concepts and real-world applications
Survey
Our team conducted a 16 question community survey on ALS awareneess to find the public's understanding of ALS research. 24 responses were recieved with an average score of 2.75/6, revealing misconceptions in particular areas like early symptoms of ALS. These findings highlighted the need for increased education, guiding our team's efforts to further support ALS awareness and research.
App
We created a public web app with Vite, which included an embedded video, a scored quiz, daily notes-based symptom trackers, and our podcast series, Stories of Our Community. This app utilizes personal narratives and facts to enhance others' understanding of ALS, extending beyond the name itself.