Education
Our education program takes participants on a journey of learning and engagement, progressing from initial curiosity to advanced scientific skills and culminating in active advocacy for synthetic biology. By structuring activities around the audience's journey, we promote inclusivity, enhance accessibility, and deliver meaningful experiences that resonate with participants across all ages and backgrounds. Additionally, our program is designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for other educational units and communities. By exploring our webpage, they can easily plan and implement their own education activities by following our approach and utilizing the resources we provide.
Objective: Introduce synthetic biology in a fun, approachable way to spark curiosity among those with little or no prior exposure.
Activities/ Online Games/ Publications:
We developed "DNA Bases Matching", an educational activity specifically designed for kindergarten and primary school students. It introduces the fundamental principles of DNA base pairing—adenine (A) with thymine (T), and cytosine (C) with guanine (G)—in a fun and interactive way. Through simple gameplay, the activity aims to arouse young learners' interest in synthetic biology, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging. This game serves as a valuable tool to spark curiosity and lay the foundation for future learning in the field of biology.
"The DNA Adventure Book" is an interactive e-book designed to introduce primary school and secondary 1-3 students to the fascinating world of DNA and synthetic biology. This digital resource combines visually appealing illustrations, simple explanations, and engaging activities to make learning about DNA both fun and accessible. By exploring the e-book, young readers can develop their curiosity and gain foundational knowledge about synthetic biology in a creative and enjoyable way.
The "Synthetic Biology Challenges" consist of two online quiz games designed to introduce and evaluate knowledge about synthetic biology. Tailored to different age groups, the two versions of the challenge serve distinct purposes:
This version is more general and accessible, featuring simpler multiple-choice questions ideal for younger students or beginners. Its goal is to introduce the basics of synthetic biology in a fun and interactive way.
This version is specifically crafted for secondary school students, offering more in-depth and challenging multiple-choice questions about synthetic biology. It aims to deepen their understanding of the subject while encouraging critical thinking and curiosity about its applications.
The "Leaflet" is a visually appealing and concise graphic summary of a compelling story that highlights the importance of food safety and the innovative solution offered by the team's project.
At the end of the leaflet, there's an interactive game where readers are tasked to identify which of the listed options are pesticides and which are not. This activity encourages a quick internet search for the answers. It's a great way to spark interest in the team's project while promoting a deeper understanding of its relevance to real-world challenges.
Our picture book, "The Magic of PestiGuard" is a thoughtfully crafted and engaging narrative designed to educate readers about pesticide safety in an accessible way.
The story follows a farmer who, after discovering pests invading his crops, turns to pesticides to resolve the issue. While initially successful, the story takes a turn when a family falls ill due to pesticide residues on their vegetables. Through this narrative, readers learn about the risks of pesticide poisoning and the importance of proper food handling, such as washing vegetables thoroughly.
The picture book introduces PestiGuard, our innovative smart aptamer biosensor to ensure food safety by detecting leftover pesticides on vegetables.
With its simple yet impactful storytelling, the picture book is not only educational but also inspiring, making it an excellent tool for raising awareness about food safety among kids and the significance of innovative solutions like PestiGuard.
The primary school booklet is a professionally designed bilingual resource aimed at introducing primary school students to key scientific concepts and the innovative project, PestiGuard, in an engaging and accessible manner.
The secondary school booklet is a comprehensive and professionally crafted learning resource designed to introduce secondary school students to advanced scientific concepts, synthetic biology, and the team's innovative project, PestiGuard.
This section provides a foundational understanding of synthetic biology and its applications, preparing students for deeper engagement with the team's work.
This section showcases the team's research, PestiGuard, and its scientific underpinnings, demonstrating the practical applications of synthetic biology.
The Whole School Sharing on Synthetic Biology is an engaging initiative conducted by MSC, HTCSS and KTL, during whole school broadcasting and assembly.
This sharing introduces students to the exciting field of synthetic biology and its real-world applications. Our team highlights PestiGuard, the smart aptamer biosensor designed to detect pesticide residues in crops, showcasing how synthetic biology can enhance food safety. While sharing the experience joining iGEM in previous year, WYY's sharing also provides insights into the iGEM competition and inspires students to explore how science and technology can address global challenges.
Lunchtime booths were hosted in HTCSS, featuring DNA Bracelet Making. We invited students to make DNA bracelets that matched using the principle of complementary nitrogenous base pairing. A fun and interactive way to explore synthetic biology! Our team members also took the chance to share fascinating knowledge about:
We launched our official Instagram and YouTube channels as vibrant platforms to promote synthetic biology and engage with a wider audience. Our mission is to make science accessible and inspiring by sharing:
We are thrilled to share that our social media efforts have created over 48,000 online enagements. One of our videos, explaining the principle of electrophoresis, went viral and garnered over 20,000 views, demonstrating the power of accessible science communication.
Our team has launched a charity sale in HTCSS to support Food Angel, an incredible local food rescue and assistance program founded in 2011 by the Bo Charity Foundation. Food Angel rescues 33 tonnes of edible surplus food every week from the food industry—food that would otherwise go to waste. They prepare over 20,000 nutritious meals daily and distribute 6,500 food packs to underprivileged communities in Hong Kong—all free of charge.
Beyond providing food assistance, Food Angel is dedicated to spreading awareness about the importance of cherishing food and fostering a sense of care within the community.
We're offering tote bags, folders, and keychains, all creatively designed by our team! These unique items are synthetic biology-themed, inspired by our participation in the international competition, iGEM.
After covering the manufacturing costs of the items sold during our charity sale, we are delighted to donate HKD $1,654.20 (~USD212$) to Food Angel.
PestiGuard - Hunting Pesticides is a strategy-based card game designed to educate students about the importance of biosafety in combating pesticide-related challenges and our smart aptamer biosensor - PestiGuard. The game pits two opposing factions—Citizens and Pesticides—against each other in a battle of wits and strategy. Each player takes on a unique role with distinct abilities that influence the outcome of the game.
PestiGuard - Hunting Pesticides introduces players to the principles of biosafety, teamwork, and critical thinking, while fostering an understanding of the challenges associated with pesticide detection and mitigation. This engaging and interactive game not only entertains but also educates players on the importance of protecting public health and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Will the Citizens outsmart the Pesticides, or will deception and cunning lead the Pesticides to victory? The outcome is up to you!
Our team recently hosted an exciting and interactive Kindergarten Workshop at Munsang College Kindergarten, where we introduced young minds to the wonders of science in a fun and engaging way. The workshop included a variety of creative activities tailored specifically for kids to spark their curiosity and enthusiasm for learning.
The activities included:
The kids were joyful, engaged, and fully immersed in the activities. Their laughter and curiosity made the event a wonderful success, leaving us inspired by their enthusiasm. It was a delightful experience to see the next generation exploring the world of science in such a playful and memorable way!
Objective: Provide hands-on experiences that allow participants to explore and experiment with synthetic biology concepts.
The two educational booklets tailored for primary and secondary school students, introduce students to the fascinating world of synthetic biology, covering key concepts such as the definition of synthetic biology, the structure and function of DNA. By fostering an understanding of these basic concepts, we aim to inspire the next generation of innovators in science and technology.
Our educational booklets also go beyond theory by including a step-by-step procedure for DNA extraction from fruits, allowing students to engage in hands-on learning, even at home. We have also introduced students to an essential tool in synthetic biology experiments, the micropipette, and provided instructions on how to use it effectively. These practical activities aim to spark curiosity, build confidence in laboratory skills, and deepen students' understanding of synthetic biology.
Our team has developed a comprehensive set of teaching videos, now collectively named the "BioLearn+" Educational Video Series, to provide accessible, engaging, and professional learning resources for students, and anyone curious about synthetic biology and biotechnology. These videos are available on Instagram, YouTube, and ThinkLink.com and are designed to empower learners to explore scientific concepts at their own pace. BioLearn+ covers a wide range of topics, from foundational knowledge in synthetic biology to hands-on laboratory techniques and biosafety. Each series is structured into episodes, ensuring a clear and progressive learning experience for viewers.
BioLearn+ has achieved significant success, with the total number of views across all videos exceeding 48,000. This milestone reflects the growing interest and engagement with the educational content provided by the series. Notably, the video clip teaching electrophoresis went viral, amassing an impressive 20,000 views on its own. This remarkable performance highlights not only the relevance of the topic but also the effectiveness of the video in delivering complex scientific concepts in an accessible and engaging manner.
Series 1-5 are tailored for students in Stage 2, providing foundational and intermediate-level knowledge in synthetic biology and biotechnology.
This series a comprehensive introduction to the exciting and rapidly growing field of synthetic biology. It is designed for students or enthusiasts who want to explore the fundamentals, applications, and societal implications of synthetic biology. Through four engaging episodes, we will guide students from the basics of synthetic biology to its real-world applications, address common misconceptions, and test their understanding with a short quiz.
Episode 1: Basics of Synthetic Biology
Episode 2: Examples of Applications of Synthetic Biology
Episode 3: Common Misconception of Synthetic Biology
Episode 4: Short Quiz of Synthetic Biology
This series is a journey into the foundational techniques and principles that underpin modern biotechnology. This is designed for learners eager to understand the key experimental methods and tools used in biotechnology laboratories. Through five focused episodes, we will cover everything from basic biotechnology concepts to essential molecular biology techniques like digestion, ligation, gel electrophoresis, transformation, and gene design.
Episode 1: Biotechnology
Episode 2: Digestion and Ligation
Episode 3: Gel Electrophoresis
Episode 4: Transformation
Episode 5: Gene Design
As an essential guide to ensuring safety and efficiency in biotechnology laboratories, this series is designed to equip students with the knowledge and best practices needed to maintain a safe working environment while conducting experiments in biotechnology. Across five episodes, we will cover critical aspects of lab safety, from proper etiquette and personal protective equipment to specialized safety protocols for handling reagents, biosafety cabinets, and centrifuges.
Episode 1: Get to Know Your Lab Etiquette
Episode 2: Understanding Essential Personal Protective Equipment
Episode 3: Introduction to Biosafety Cabinet
Episode 4: Safe Transportation of Reagents
Episode 5: Centrifuge Safety
As an exploration of how mathematical and computational tools are used to simulate and study biological systems, this series is designed to introduce students to the concept of modelling, explain its significance in the context of synthetic biology and biotechnology, and demonstrate how it plays a critical role in our specific project. Across four episodes, we'll take students from the basics of modelling to its practical applications and relevance in our work.
Episode 1: What is Modelling?
Episode 2: Role of Modelling 1
Episode 3: Role of Modelling 2
Episode 4: The role of Modelling in Our Project
Where we delve into the pressing issue of pesticide residues in food and explore innovative approaches to addressing this challenge, this series highlights the impact of pesticides on food safety and health, practical ways to reduce exposure, and cutting-edge biosensor technology developed as part of our project. Through four insightful episodes, we aim to raise awareness about pesticide-related risks and showcase our vision for a smarter, safer future.
Episode 1: Discussion on the Impact of Pesticide Residues on Food Safety and Health
Episode 2: Practical Tips to Avoid Pesticides
Episode 3: Detecting Pesticides with Biosensor
Episode 4: PestiGuard -- The Smart Aptamer Biosensor
Two engaging booths were set up for the Munsang College Primary School. One featured a memory card game, while the other featured a ball-rolling game, both designed to make learning about synthetic biology fun and interactive.
This game included six pairs of cards related to synthetic biology, featuring terms like DNA, RNA, plasmid, and pesticides. Each pair had images on one side and words on the other. Primary students were challenged to recall the locations of each card and match the words with their corresponding images. This game helped students familiarize themselves with key concepts and terminology in synthetic biology.
The ball-rolling game featured a paper track with five holes labeled A, B, C, D, and E, alongside four multiple-choice questions. Students were provided with balls and a question paper. After determining the correct answers, they had to roll a ball into the hole corresponding to the right answer. This game offered an exciting opportunity for primary students to deepen their understanding of synthetic biology topics, such as the four nitrogenous bases in DNA and various applications of synthetic biology.
Both activities not only sparked curiosity but also enhanced students' knowledge of essential concepts in synthetic biology, fostering a foundation for future exploration in the field.
Our team has successfully conducted a series of educational workshops for Munsang College Primary School, SKH Holy Trinity Church Primary School and STFA Wu Siu Sui Memorial Primary School.
The first workshop was held for Munsang College Primary School, where we provided students with a comprehensive introduction to key scientific concepts. The activities included:
A total of 28 responses were collected from the post-workshop questionnaire, providing valuable insights into participants' learning experience. The average scores for Q1 and 3 indicated a strong positive impact on students' understanding of cells and DNA and they gained a good understanding of synthetic biology. The score for Q2 suggests that the area (understanding of the double helix model) may require further improvement.
Among the 28 responses, the majority of students expressed that they loved the arrangement of the workshop, indicating that the structure and activities were generally well-received. However, two students suggested having more time to play games, which highlights an opportunity to further engage participants through interactive and playful learning methods.
The principle of mutual learning has been at the core of our workshop approach:
From the feedback in our previous workshop, we identified the need to enhance students' understanding of DNA structure and to make the activities more engaging. To address these areas, we implemented the following changes in the next workshop:
The feedback from students demonstrated the success of these improvements:
These results highlight the importance of iterative learning and adaptation in creating impactful educational experiences. By incorporating feedback-driven changes, we were able to foster both deeper understanding and greater enthusiasm among the students.
In addition to focusing on the two key improvements (adding online games and interactive activities), we also implemented a pre-workshop questionnaire before the second workshop. The questionnaire was designed to encourage students to reflect on how much they thought they knew about synthetic biology before attending the workshop. This self-assessment provided insight into their confidence and familiarity with the topic. By comparing the pre-workshop reflections with post-workshop feedback, we were able to evaluate how much the workshop enhanced their understanding and confidence in synthetic biology concepts.
The pre-workshop questionnaire asked students to rate their familiarity with synthetic biology on a 5-point scale, where 1 = Not familiar at all and 5 = Very familiar. The results showed that Responses spanned the entire scale, indicating a diverse level of prior knowledge about synthetic biology among the students. A combined nearly 50% of students rated their familiarity as 1 or 2, suggesting that half of the participants felt they had limited or no understanding of synthetic biology before the workshop. With 50% of students rating themselves at the lower end of the scale (1 or 2), the workshop must prioritize foundational explanations and introductory activities to bring everyone up to speed. For the 32.1% of students who rated themselves as very familiar (5), incorporating advanced concepts or optional challenges is essential to maintain their engagement and provide value.
The high score in the pre-workshop questionnaire suggests that the workshop was highly effective in enhancing students' understanding of synthetic biology. The blend of lectures, games, and hands-on activities likely contributed to the high score.
The success of this workshop strongly suggests that other schools or organizations conducting similar educational activities can adopt this combination of activities to achieve impactful learning outcomes.
The second and third workshops were designed to provide a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. The activities included:
We held workshops at MSC and HTCSS, featuring DNA extraction and sensory bottle making. For DNA extraction, the key learning objectives were to help students understand the basics of DNA and its importance in life, as well as to provide hands-on experience in performing a simple laboratory procedure and observing DNA directly. Additionally, students had the opportunity to train their micropipette skills by transferring liquids into sensory bottles.
Building on the experience from our mutual learning with the participants in the first workshop and the success of the second, we have adopted a more engaging approach for our secondary school workshops and it's proven to be effective.
(1: Not very ; 5: Very much)
In the MSC, a Biotechnology and Food Safety Library Corner has been established to encourage students from all ages to borrow these resources and embark on a journey of self-learning about synthetic biology, the latest genetic research studies, and issues related to food safety. Additionally, whiteboards have been set up for interactive summaries and Q&A. Our peers can freely share their insights, questions, and ideas as they dive into this field. It is hoped that a deeper understanding of how biotechnology can enhance food safety for everyone will be cultivated.
Happy reading and learning!
Objective: Equip participants with advanced skills and knowledge to prepare them for further studies or careers in synthetic biology.
At this stage, our booklets are designed to guide primary and secondary school students through hands-on and practical learning experiences in molecular biology:
This tailored approach ensures that students of different age groups gain relevant, hands-on experience while fostering curiosity and confidence in biological sciences.
Series 1-5 of BioLearn+ are tailored for students in Stage 2, providing training of essential skills and knowledge in synthetic biology and biotechnology.
As a specialized series that explores the intersection of technology and biology, it is designed for students who wish to gain hands-on knowledge about how software and hardware are integrated in synthetic biology. Through five engaging episodes, they will learn, in our project, how different biological samples are prepared, delve into the innovative features of the SmartBox, understand its workflow, and explore the pivotal role of software we designed.
Episode 1: Food Sample Preparation
Episode 2: Soil Sample Preparation
Episode 3: Feature of SmartBox
Episode 4: Workflow of SmartBox
Episode 5: Software
This is a practical and engaging series designed to teach foundational laboratory techniques essential in synthetic biology and biotechnology, perfect for students who want to master key experimental skills and gain confidence in handling laboratory equipment. Through five detailed episodes, you will learn how to use essential lab tools, prepare agar plates, and perform accurate microbiological techniques like the spread plate method.
Episode 1: Auto Pipette
Episode 2: Centrifuge
Episode 3: Shaking Incubator
Episode 4: Agar Plate Preparation
Episode 5: Spread Plate
This series of workshops is designed to provide participants with hands-on experience and practical knowledge in advanced biotechnology techniques. From working in wet labs to mastering digital tools, these workshops equip learners with the skills necessary to tackle real-world challenges in synthetic biology.
Learn the fundamentals of cell culture techniques, including sterile handling, maintaining healthy cells, and preparing them for experiments.
Dive into the world of genetic engineering by using Benchling, a powerful bioinformatics tool, to design plasmids and plan DNA modifications.
Explore bacterial transformation techniques and learn how to culture bacteria, key steps in genetic engineering and synthetic biology research.
Understand the importance of computational modeling in biology. Learn how to simulate biological systems and predict experimental outcomes.
The first step of our investigation was to assess the necessity of a novel biosensor for pesticide detection in food. To learn more about the use of pesticides in farming and to understand if our solution is feasible, we consulted Mr. Jeff Lun, who is a local farmer and a founder of BSF Innovation Limited and visited his farm.
The biosensor project fosters a deep understanding of the agricultural ecosystem by encouraging students to engage in discussions about the needs and concerns of local farmers. This interaction not only enhances their awareness of agricultural practices but also highlights the significance of marketing opportunities and consumer anxiety regarding food safety. By understanding market dynamics, students can grasp how consumer behavior influences agricultural methods and the adoption of new technologies. This aligns with broader discussions on environmental stewardship and responsible innovation, ultimately fostering a forward-looking dialogue about the future of agriculture.
For Farmers:Farmers have the opportunity to learn about innovative technologies that offer rapid testing results, enabling timely decisions regarding pesticide use and crop management. The project educates farmers on sustainable agricultural practices, equipping them with the knowledge to optimize pesticide application and improve crop quality while minimizing risks. Additionally, the biosensor provides valuable data to inform their decisions, enhancing their ability to engage with consumers about their practices. This engagement not only builds trust but also enhances their brand reputation in a market increasingly focused on food safety and sustainability.
At this stage of the education pipeline, our objective is clear: to empower participants to share their knowledge, inspire others, and contribute to a broader understanding and appreciation of synthetic biology.
This stage focuses on turning learners into advocates, equipping them with the tools to inspire and educate others, ultimately broadening the reach and impact of synthetic biology education.
All members of our team have successfully completed the synthetic biology course, which provided them with a strong foundation in essential concepts, laboratory techniques, and project-based applications. To ensure the sustainability and continuity of our educational efforts, we have made this course — including the detailed course outline, booklets, and educational videos — available as a fundamental training resource for future iGEM teams.
This comprehensive curriculum is designed to equip future teams with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in synthetic biology, fostering a deeper understanding of foundational concepts while preparing participants to tackle real-world challenges through innovative solutions. By sharing these resources, we aim to empower the next generation of iGEM participants and contribute to the growth and development of the synthetic biology community.
To empower participants with knowledge and practical skills in synthetic biology, enabling them to share insights, inspire others, and contribute to global challenges through innovative solutions.
By the end of this course, participants will:
To assess the impact of our synthetic biology course, we conducted both pre-course and post-course quizzes featuring the same set of 10 questions. These assessments targeted 362 secondary school students who had completed Section 2: DNA and Core Biotechnology Concepts of the course. While all 362 students participated in the pre-course quiz, 341 students completed the post-course quiz.
These results indicate that participants had limited baseline knowledge of DNA and core biotechnology concepts prior to studying this section.
After completing Section 2, students demonstrated a significant improvement in their understanding of the material:
The substantial increase in the average score (by 2.83 points, a 74.47% improvement) and the median score (by 3 points, a 75% improvement) highlights the effectiveness of Section 2 in enhancing students' knowledge. The majority of participants progressed from a median score of 4 (indicating minimal understanding) to 7 (demonstrating above-average comprehension). This improvement underscores the success of the course materials—such as structured booklets, hands-on activities, and multimedia content—in bridging knowledge gaps and fostering a deeper understanding of synthetic biology concepts related to DNA and core biotechnology.
The results provide compelling evidence that Section 2 of the course successfully achieved its educational objectives. By focusing on foundational topics such as the structure and function of DNA, DNA extraction, and key lab tools like micropipettes, the course empowered students to grasp complex scientific concepts in a comprehensible and engaging way.
The significant improvement in quiz scores validates the quality of the educational design and confirms its ability to inspire and educate participants. Based on these outcomes, we aim to continue refining and expanding the course to ensure that other sections build upon the strong foundation established in Section 2, ultimately contributing to a broader understanding of synthetic biology.
These results provide strong evidence of the course's success in achieving its educational objectives. By combining well-structured booklets, engaging multimedia content, and hands-on learning opportunities, the course effectively empowered students to grasp complex concepts in synthetic biology.
The significant improvement in quiz scores not only validates the quality and pedagogical approach of the course but also demonstrates its potential to inspire and educate a new generation of learners in the field of synthetic biology.
Based on these findings, we aim to continue refining and expanding the course to reach a broader audience while maintaining the high-quality learning experience that has proven effective in this evaluation.
Our education program was designed as a comprehensive pipeline to guide participants through a progressive learning journey in synthetic biology, divided into four stages: Engaging Beginners, Exploring Concepts, Building Expertise, and Becoming Advocates. In Stage 1: Engaging Beginners, we introduced synthetic biology to participants with little or no prior exposure through fun and accessible activities such as online games, picture books, and interactive storytelling. Activities like the DNA Bases Matching game and workshops for younger audiences sparked curiosity and provided a strong foundation for future learning.
Moving into Stage 2: Exploring Concepts, we provided hands-on experiences to deepen participants' understanding of synthetic biology. These included exploring DNA structure, learning core biotechnology techniques, and understanding real-world applications like food safety. Educational booklets, the BioLearn⁺ video series, and engaging workshops (such as DNA extraction and sensory bottle making) allowed participants to actively experiment with and apply synthetic biology concepts in interactive ways.
In Stage 3: Building Expertise, we focused on equipping participants with advanced skills and knowledge to prepare them for further studies. Participants explored topics such as plasmid design, bacterial transformation, recombinant DNA technology, and software-hardware integration. Advanced workshops and video series on modelling and laboratory techniques enabled participants to gain practical, hands-on experience and a deeper understanding of synthetic biology.
Finally, in Stage 4: Becoming Advocates, the program empowered participants to share their knowledge and inspire others, turning learners into advocates for synthetic biology. Through resources like booklets, videos, and social media platforms, participants were equipped to independently teach and engage with others, amplifying the program's outreach and impact.
The success of our education pipeline is reflected in the measurable outcomes. With over 65,000 online interactions and 3,000 face-to-face participants, our program reached a broad audience. Pre- and post-course assessments showed a significant 74.47% improvement in average scores, demonstrating the program's effectiveness in enhancing understanding. Additionally, by fostering curiosity, advocacy, and skill-building, we cultivated a growing community of synthetic biology enthusiasts eager to share and apply their knowledge.
In conclusion, our education pipeline successfully fulfilled its objectives by guiding participants from initial curiosity to advanced expertise and advocacy. By making synthetic biology accessible and engaging, we empowered learners to explore, innovate, and inspire others, laying a strong foundation for a more informed and enthusiastic synthetic biology community.