01: Making Synthetic Biology Accessible – School Open Day
At our school's Open Day, we hosted a dedicated booth to introduce visitors to the world of iGEM and synthetic biology. Our primary goal was to demystify complex scientific concepts for a general audience. We achieved this by presenting our previous year's project as a tangible case study.
We focused our presentation on the fundamental principles of synthetic biology, explaining how we can engineer biological systems for practical applications. By using our past project as an example, we were able to illustrate the problem-solving potential of this field and share our insights and experiences with individuals who had little to no prior exposure to the subject.
This event was a key part of our public outreach efforts, serving as the first step in increasing awareness and fostering interest in science and biotechnology within our local community.
02 Returning To Our Peers: A Glimpse Into The Future of Pest Control – Assembly Presentation
Our team was given the opportunity to present at a school assembly to introduce our schoolmates to the iGEM competition and the field of synthetic biology. We began by showcasing our previous year's project, sharing our experiences and the journey of turning a scientific idea into a tangible solution.
We then transitioned to our current project, addressing a pressing real-world problem: bed bugs. We provided a brief but informative introduction to the issue, explaining why it is a significant public health concern. By connecting our work to a topic that directly impacts our community, we not only demonstrated the practical application and importance of our research but also raised awareness of the bed bug problem.
03 Inspiring Future Hong Kong iGEMers: Collaborative Approach for Secondary Students – Joint Workshop with St. Stephen's College (HKSSC)
Our team collaborated with the iGEM team from HKSSC to host an educational workshop for secondary school students. The event served a dual purpose: to introduce the participants to the iGEM competition and the fascinating field of synthetic biology, and to raise awareness of a critical public health issue.
During the workshop, both teams presented their respective projects. Our team highlighted the current situation of bed bug infestations in Hong Kong, emphasizing the severity of the problem. This provided a compelling real-world context for our project, demonstrating how synthetic biology can be used to address pressing local challenges.
To provide a hands-on experience, we prepared several interactive experiments. These activities were designed to let students directly engage with basic biotechnology principles, offering them a taste of the hands-on nature of iGEM and inspiring their interest in science and research. The workshop successfully fostered a collaborative learning environment while making significant contributionssignificantly contributing to our human practices goals.
04 Empowering Future Scientists: An Introduction to Synthetic Biology – Joint Workshop with The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Our team partnered with the iGEM team from HKUST to host a workshop titled "Be an iGEMer" for secondary school students. The event was designed to give participants a hands-on introduction to the world of synthetic biology and the iGEM competition.
In addition to providing an overview of iGEM, we guided students through several fundamental laboratory techniques. Participants learned how to perform key experiments such as colony picking, cPCR, and gel electrophoresis.
The workshop concluded with a research and presentation session, where students were given a taste of what it's like to initiate a scientific project. This session challenged them to apply their new knowledge in a mini-project setting, allowing them to experience the full scope of an iGEM project from the initial research phase to presenting their findings. The workshop successfully provided a comprehensive and engaging look into the life of an iGEMer.
05 Engaging Young Minds Through Creative Media: From Public Issue to Storytelling– Our Original Comic Book
To educate a younger audience about the bed bug problem, we created an original comic book. By following a child's experience with a bed bug infestation, we aimed to make the issue approachable and understandable for children while highlighting its seriousness. Our goal was to create a resource that parents and children could read together, fostering a shared understanding and raising awareness of bed bug prevention.
Finally, we uploaded the comic book to our wiki page, ensuring maximum public exposure and accessibility for anyone interested in learning about bed bugs in an engaging, narrative format.
06 Educating the Next Generation: From Comic Book to Stage – FMB Chun Lei Primary School Outreach
Our team went to a local primary school, FMB Chun Lei Primary School, to perform a drama about bed bugs. The play, adapted from our original comic book, was an engaging way to introduce a complex issue to a younger audience. Following the performance, we provided a simple and clear overview of bed bug infestations to raise the students' awareness of the problem.
To introduce the foundational concepts of science, we also provided a basic introduction to synthetic biology by using relatable examples, such as genetically engineered corn, to help the students understand how we can apply science to solve real-world problems. This initiative was a crucial step in inspiring the next generation and fostering a connection between classroom learning and the world around them.
07 Developing Interactive Learning: From Pest to Play – Our Original Card Game
Recognizing that traditional methods might not resonate with a younger audience, we developed an original card game centered on the theme of bed bugs. Our goal was to create an engaging and interactive way for secondary students to learn about the issue.
While playing the game, students can also learn about bed bugs and the harm they cause, raising their understanding and awareness of bed bug infestations. The game serves as a fun and effective educational tool that goes beyond traditional lectures, offering a unique and memorable way to absorb important information.
08 Cultivating Passion and Skills: Intensive Training for future iGEMer – Biology Research Team
The Biology Research Team (BRT) acts as a bridge between our iGEM team and aspiring synthetic biologists at our school. This group serves as a vital training ground, providing a direct link to the hands-on work and foundational knowledge of the iGEM competition.
Our iGEM team members regularly mentor and conduct experiments alongside BRT members. This collaborative approach allows us to pass on key skills and knowledge, from fundamental lab techniques to the principles of synthetic biology. Through this partnership, we not only ensure the sustainability of our school's iGEM program but also provide secondary students with valuable knowledge in the field of synthetic biology.
Wrapping Up Our Journey to Inspire and Educate
Through these diverse efforts, we aimed to demystify science, promote a deeper understanding of our project, and empower our community with knowledge about bed bugs and the potential of synthetic biology. Our educational outreach was a cornerstone of our project, demonstrating our commitment to making a real-world impact beyond the lab.