Inclusity

Our life processes—from the precise daily operations within our cells to the silent yet steadfast vigilance of our immune system—and the environment around us—from the gradual growth of a single plant to the intricate interactions among species—are all rich with biological meaning. Every level of life offers a wealth of knowledge waiting to be understood.

Today, cutting-edge advances such as microbial synthesis and gene editing are continually expanding the boundaries of our understanding of life. They provide us with clearer and deeper perspectives to observe the world—and even to take part in it, experiencing the joy of exploration and discovery.

We aspire to build a platform that brings together people fascinated by this knowledge—a place where curiosity isn’t stifled by jargon and where interests can flourish. We aim to help everyone overcome seemingly high professional barriers, making it easier to step into the once-distant world of cutting-edge life sciences.

To that end, through repeated experimentation, reflection, and refinement, we have focused our efforts in the following areas:

Building Diverse and Equitable Teams

Working on gender equality

The STEM fields have long suffered from a significant gender imbalance. According to a 2017 study by Puggard and Bækgaard, women still account for fewer than one-third of professionals and students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics(STEM). This issue extends beyond gender equality—it directly affects our global capacity for sustainable development. In 2021, Kawa et al. and UNESCO reiterated that STEM professionals are essential to tackling major challenges such as public health, climate change, and universal education. Expanding the participation of female is key to strengthening this workforce.

Despite ongoing efforts worldwide, women remain severely underrepresented in STEM—particularly in senior decision-making and core technical roles.

The roots of this disparity are complex and deeply embedded. STEM has long been perceived as male-dominated, with female often stereotyped as having “weaker logical skills,” “lower aptitude for mathematical analysis,” or being “too emotional.” These biases begin influencing female as early as their education and continue to pose barriers—a “glass ceiling”—throughout their careers. Multiple studies confirm that systemic and cultural obstacles continue to undermine female’s sense of belonging and persistence in STEM, underscoring the urgent need for structural change.

To help address this, we are committed to increasing the visibility and voice of female in STEM. By highlighting female role models and success stories, we can inspire more young female to challenge stereotypes and expand their career aspirations. Our team actively embodies this commitment: of our 27 members, 15 are female, selected through an equitable process. Female also hold key leadership roles, including team and group leaders. This not reflects our culture of gender inclusivity but also brings richer perspectives and innovative energy to our scientific collaboration. We firmly believe that supporting and recognizing more female is essential for STEM to achieve true diversity, equity, and excellence.

In their daily work, our female leaders demonstrate strong execution, attention to detail, and the ability to balance empathy with efficient communication—highlighting the distinct value of female’s leadership. We remain dedicated to ensuring female are represented at the decision-making level, so that female perspectives continue to inform our core strategies.

We also plan to launch a “Female in Science” interview series and science communication initiatives to share the unique strengths and powerful contributions of women in research with a broader audience.

Embracing diverse major backgrounds

We recognize that the iGEM competition spans multiple scientific and technological disciplines, and truly thrives on interdisciplinary collaboration. Teams with diverse academic backgrounds are better positioned to deliver outstanding results.

Our team is built on this “diverse professional DNA.” Our members specialize in Biotechnology, Life Sciences, Biological Sciences, Computer Science and Technology, Food Science and Engineering, Forestry, Microbiology, and Materials Science and Engineering. This diversity provides multidimensional perspectives and strengthens the foundation of our research.

In practice:

Our computer science and engineering members led the development of our Wiki page.

During expert interviews, students from materials science and engineering facilitated discussions and secured critical advice for setting up our electrochemical platform.

Food science and engineering members provided specialized guidance on fermentation process control.

Students from biology-related disciplines not only completed their experimental tasks efficiently but also supported teammates from non-biology backgrounds. They contributed professional insights to Wiki development and graphic design, ensuring the final deliverables were both scientifically sound and visually aligned with the project theme.

Incorporating Neurodiversity-friendly Design into Web Design

Existing Barriers

In web design, different neurodiverse groups face specific reading and usability challenges:

Dyslexic Individuals: Struggle with accurate word recognition, often misreading, omitting words, or skipping lines. Their reading speed is slow, they hesitate frequently, they may easily forget learned words, and they are prone to making stroke errors when writing.

ADHD Individuals: Find it difficult to focus while reading, are easily distracted by the surrounding environment, and cannot concentrate on content for long periods, leading to low reading efficiency.

Autistic Individuals: May be overwhelmed by complex formatting, colors, and other visual elements on a page due to sensory sensitivity. They may have difficulty understanding emotional or abstract language and often lack the option to adjust reading settings to optimize their experience.

Our Design Approach

Our design addresses the above barriers through the following three areas:

Design for Dyslexic Individuals

Adjusting the Color Scheme [1]: We use light cream (#FFFDDC) paired with dark charcoal gray (#333333), avoiding black text on a white background to reduce the visual load for word recognition.

Selecting Suitable Fonts [1]: We use fonts like Helvetica, Courier, and Open Dyslexic. We avoid Times New Roman (to prevent confusion between 'g' and '8') and disable both italics and English ALL CAPS.

Optimizing Text Format [2]: We add borders around content to enhance its distinctness and legibility.

Adjusting Layout Spacing [5]: We set the paragraph spacing to 2 lines and the letter spacing to 7% to reduce the feeling of crowded text.

Simplifying Content Expression [3]: We favor the use of frequent, common words and reduce the use of difficult vocabulary to lower the threshold for text comprehension.

Design for ADHD Individuals

Strengthening Navigation and Consistency [9]: We design clear directory navigation and maintain consistency in the format, color, and shape of similar content to align with a preference for patterned and rule-based cognition.

Guiding Youths in Exploring Science

Designing a Synthetic Biology Board Game

Existing Barriers

Introducing synthetic biology to young learners poses unique challenges. The subject is often distant from everyday experience, making it hard for adolescents to relate to. Moreover, the logical relationships within synthetic biology require a level of abstract reasoning that can be difficult for younger minds to grasp through explanation alone. This combination of conceptual abstraction and logical complexity often leads students to perceive science as “boring and hard,” which can discourage curiosity and engagement.

Our Design Approach

We developed a card game that breaks down barriers through three layered strategies:

The first layer is Conceptualization—translating abstract ideas like genetic components and metabolic pathways into tangible cards with clear meanings. The second is Logical Contextualization—using game mechanics to mimic real scientific logic. Players select card combinations to “build genetic circuits,” learning through trial and error how specific pairings lead to functional outcomes. The third layer is Team-Based Strategy—incorporating collaboration and competition to make learning social and fun, helping form friendships along the way.

Implementation

We consulted elementary, middle school, and kindergarten science education experts to inform the design. Based on their input, we used bright colors to attract attention, icons instead of text where possible to improve accessibility, and designed multiple difficulty levels to suit different ages.

We plan to conduct playtests with various age groups and gather feedback to refine the game. Instructional videos will also be released online to reach more users. Our goal is to develop this into a market-ready product.

Feedback

When we introduced the card game in synthetic biology outreach sessions, children showed strong curiosity and asked numerous questions. Peers also expressed interest and eagerness to try the game. We will continue refining the game based on feedback so more children can enjoy and learn from it.

Delivering Outreach Courses for Children

Existing Barriers

Children today have limited exposure to core concepts in life sciences—such as molecular biology and gene editing—which are typically not covered until high school or university. Moreover, entities like DNA are invisible to the naked eye, making them harder to perceive than growing plants or moving animals. Most existing science materials for children focus on “visible biological phenomena,” often with repetitive content. There is a significant lack of resources that translate “invisible” biological processes into child-friendly formats, highlighting the need for more engaging and diverse science communication.

Our Design Approach

We developed a step-by-step teaching framework: “phenomenon introduction → analogy → hands-on experiment → artistic creation.”

We begin with slides showing varied biological traits (e.g., fruit colors, fur length) to spark curiosity. We then use the analogy “DNA is the blueprint, proteins are the building blocks, and traits are the castle” to simplify the Central Dogma. Children are encouraged to explain in their own words how DNA controls traits. Finally, through a banana DNA extraction experiment and a “Create a New Creature” drawing activity, they consolidate learning through doing and creating.

To ensure classroom effectiveness, we use a clear division of roles:

The lecturer explains concepts and manages pacing.

The experiment team prepares equipment, demonstrates procedures, and guides each child through DNA extraction.

Teaching assistants facilitate creative drawing, encourage collaboration and self-expression, hand out science-themed rewards, and maintain a positive classroom environment.

After each session, we conduct one-on-one interviews with children to gather feedback on clarity, engagement, and most memorable moments. We also collect suggestions from parents on content difficulty and interaction design. This feedback helps us continuously improve—simplifying experiment steps, adding metaphors, and enhancing overall quality.

Implementation

To help children grasp the concept of DNA, we designed a progressive series of activities:

We began with an analogy: DNA as life’s blueprint, proteins as building blocks, and traits as the finished castle. This made the “DNA → protein → trait” logic intuitive and fun.

Next, children performed a banana DNA extraction experiment. They used detergent to break down cell walls, salt to neutralize DNA charge, and alcohol to precipitate DNA—making the invisible visible as white, stringy DNA became tangible.

Finally, in the “Create a New Creature” activity, children combined traits from different organisms (e.g., a yellow elephant with butterfly wings) through drawing. This reinforced their learning and let them experience “gene editing” creatively. The session stimulated imagination while deepening their understanding of how genetic instructions shape traits.

Feedback

The event was well-received by both children and parents, and provided concrete suggestions for improvement.

Parents valued the exposure to advanced concepts rarely covered in school, especially those with biology backgrounds who appreciated how complex ideas were simplified. Many expressed hope for more such activities in the future.

Children found the session “fun” and “interesting.” The hands-on experiment made science feel accessible, and the creative activity allowed them to collaborate and share ideas proudly. Some took notes actively, and many showed clearer understanding of how DNA influences traits.

Additionally, we received specific feedback calling for improvements to the experimental materials. Several children noted that bananas were uncomfortably sticky and messy to handle, which detracted from their enjoyment of the activity. In response, our team plans to implement one of the following adjustments in future sessions: either switch to fruits that are easier and less messy to work with—such as strawberries or kiwifruit—or modify the protocol so that teaching assistants perform the initial mashing step. This will allow the children to focus on the most engaging part of the experiment: observing the white, stringy DNA precipitate. These adjustments are intended to improve both the reliability of the experimental outcomes and the hands-on experience for all participants.

Providing science resources for the public

Co-authoring a biology outreach handbook with a consortium of universities

Existing Barriers

The public often struggles to connect abstract technological concepts with real-world issues, while also holding cognitive biases toward emerging technologies—such as viewing them as "impractical" or "purely theoretical." Take straw degradation as an example: many people are unaware of the key scientific fact that "it is lignin, not cellulose, that is difficult to degrade," let alone how synthetic biology can offer targeted solutions to such problems.

Our Design Approach

In the handbook "Smashing synthetic biology rumors science brochure," co-created by 33 universities, our team focused on the public misconception that "crop straw is hard to degrade." Through scientific experiments, we revealed the truth: cellulose itself can be efficiently broken down by microorganisms or chemical means—the real challenge lies with lignin. This complex polymer acts as a "natural barrier," so robust that even termites cannot directly decompose it, leading to low utilization efficiency of plant resources.

We further proposed an innovative "electrochemical-synthetic biology" coupled strategy: using electrochemical methods to break down lignin's structure, followed by engineered microbial strains converting its degradation products into pharmaceutical ingredients such as acetaminophen. This concrete case demonstrates the practical value of synthetic biology in addressing agricultural waste challenges.

Feedback

Cross-university collaboration has taught us a vital lesson: science communication must not only "explain clearly" but also "solve real problems." Starting with this handbook, we aim to help more people recognize the boundless possibilities of synthetic biology—it is not "science fiction," but a tangible force already transforming our lives.

Joint iGEM livestream

Existing Barriers

During the process of promoting synthetic biology and enhancing public awareness, multiple challenges exist. The high barrier to comprehending specialized knowledge often makes it difficult for non-experts to grasp both the technical principles and their practical value. Traditional science outreach methods tend to be one-dimensional, lacking intuitive and interactive forms of communication. Furthermore, the public has limited perception of synthetic biology’s applications in fields such as healthcare and environmental protection, which hinders the establishment of effective cognitive connections. In addition, the absence of efficient communication platforms among different teams and professional groups restricts knowledge sharing and collaborative innovation.

Our Design Approach

To break through these barriers, this event was designed around the principles of low threshold, high interactivity, and multiple perspectives.

In the presentation livestream, Hainan University translated complex concepts into accessible analogies and case studies, significantly lowering the public's cognitive barrier. The online livestream format itself helped us expand our reach and bridge the gap between the public and synthetic biology, allowing viewers to enhance their sense of involvement through real-time watching and commenting. Furthermore, by inviting teams from multiple universities to showcase diverse applications of synthetic biology, we provided a more comprehensive and rich sharing session that catered to the varied interests of the audience.

Implementation

During the implementation phase, Jiangnan University collaborated with Northeast Forestry University and Hainan University to co-host a 90-minute online livestream entitled "Exploring the Wonderful World of Synthetic Biology", which attracted a total audience of over 12,700 viewers. The event commenced with an introduction to the fundamental concepts and significance of synthetic biology by Hainan University. Subsequently, each team presented their respective research topics, covering areas such as the use of antimicrobial peptides as alternatives to antibiotics, applications of lignin conversion, and innovative approaches employing engineered bacteria for epilepsy treatment. Broadcast via the Tiktok platform, the livestream incorporated real-time interactive segments and was supported by slide presentations and case studies, ensuring the content was both informative and engaging.

Feedback

Feedback from the live chat demonstrated that the event significantly boosted viewers' interest in and understanding of synthetic biology. Accessible analogies and vivid case studies effectively helped non-specialist audiences build a foundational grasp of the field. The social value and application prospects highlighted across multiple research topics received widespread positive feedback. Participating teams noted that the activity not only fostered academic exchange but also deepened their appreciation for the importance of science communication. The vast majority of participants endorsed the multi-university collaboration and livestream format, recognizing it as an effective way to break down knowledge barriers and advance the public dissemination of synthetic biology.

Campus Open Day

Existing Barriers

A major challenge in promoting public understanding of synthetic biology is its technical nature. The lab equipment and procedures used are unfamiliar to most people, making it hard to connect abstract ideas to real-world applications. Biological concepts are often invisible and abstract by nature, which adds to the difficulty. While this can spark curiosity, the lack of understanding more often leads to apprehension and avoidance, hindering wider acceptance of the field.

Our Design Approach

During our campus open day, we designed a public outreach program centered on “hands-on experience + interactive engagement.” We displayed real culture medium samples and equipment such as micropipettes, encouraging visitors to try simple experimental operations themselves. Through touch and practice, we bridged the distance between the public and synthetic biology.

We also carefully designed postcards featuring elements from our research projects, with simplified project introductions and experimental logic printed on the back, which were given to participants as gifts. The team specially created a signature board themed around the project, allowing visitors to sign their names as a memento.

Through these multi-layered, immersive interactive designs, we transformed abstract and complex scientific concepts into tangible, participatory, and understandable experiences, aiming to effectively spark public interest and recognition of synthetic biology.

Implementation

On site, the outreach was deployed through multiple channels: team members demonstrated and explained how to use micropipettes, guiding visitors through simulated operations; different states of culture media were displayed to illustrate microbial cultivation principles; others distributed synthetic biology knowledge cards and shared stories behind the research projects; additional staff managed a promotion booth with project-themed souvenirs, attracting more curious visitors to explore.

The appealing postcards and variety of laboratory instruments attracted considerable interest. Many passers-by stopped to ask questions, tried their hand at pipetting, eagerly collected gifts, and enthusiastically signed the signature board while taking photos.

Notably, we also welcomed a high school student for a lab tour and hands-on experience. With proper protective measures and strict adherence to lab dress code, the student showed strong curiosity and excitement about seeing textbook instruments in real life. Accurately recalling several experimental principles, the student’s engagement delighted us and made the guidance process truly rewarding.

Feedback

Through this open day event, we significantly lowered the public’s cognitive barrier to synthetic biology. The experiential approach sparked visible interest—many visitors stopped to inquire, try out equipment, and leave their signatures. Several parents and students expressed that it was the first time they felt scientific experiments were not out of reach, but rather a fun and engaging process of exploration.

Based on feedback collected onsite, many participants expressed interest in experiencing more types of laboratory equipment and hope to see the event scale up. These valuable suggestions have pointed the way for our future science outreach efforts. We will continue to optimize interactive designs, diversify hands-on activities, and invite more people to step into the world of synthetic biology through practical engagement—sharing together the appeal of scientific exploration.

The Creator Initiative

Existing Barriers

Public engagement with synthetic biology still faces several key barriers. Misconceptions about gene editing—ranging from overestimation of its power to unfounded fears about GMOs—hinder clear communication. Meanwhile, the technology's real potential in areas like climate change and healthcare remains underappreciated. Compounding this, most science communication is still too technical, limiting public access to meaningful dialogue and widening the gap between science and society.

Our Design Approach

To address these challenges, we launched the "Creator Initiative" as an innovative platform, adopting an integrated strategy of "cross-media storytelling + high-interaction participation" to systematically break down the barriers surrounding synthetic biology communication.

In offline experiential activities, we leveraged artistic expression to lower the cognitive threshold. Through creative painting and metaphorical interpretation, complex research topics—such as converting lignin into cold medicine via biological processes—were transformed into tangible, story-driven experiences. This approach allowed participants without a biology background to intuitively grasp the practical value of synthetic biology.

On the digital front, we established a lightweight communication network via Tiktok. By launching hashtag challenges like #IfIDesignedAnOrganism and hosting live painting sessions under the "Creator Initiative" theme, we encouraged public participation in creative content production.

By combining offline artistic narrative with online topic engagement, we successfully built a complete communication chain:

from perception to understanding, then to discussion, and finally to creation. The "Creator Initiative" has effectively shifted science communication from a model of one-way knowledge transfer to one of value co-creation, offering an innovative solution for public engagement in the field of synthetic biology.

Implementation

During implementation, offline workshops and online campaigns were carried out simultaneously. Offline, we organized science-painting sessions for students, beginning with an introductory presentation on synthetic biology and our team’s research, followed by gamified interactions including brainstorming, random trait draws, and creative drawing to help participants grasp the technology’s applications. Online, we hosted live painting broadcasts on Douyin and initiated topics like #DesignANewOrganism to inspire public creativity and critical discussion.

Feedback

Feedback from participants indicated a marked increase in interest and comprehension regarding synthetic biology. Many expressed that it was their “first time realizing microbes can act like factories” or that “air pollution could be linked to drug production.” A number of participants particularly appreciated the concept of resource cycling and suggested closer integration of biosynthetic pathways with waste reuse.

Ethical considerations also sparked extensive discussion, with questions such as “Could genetic modification harm the ecosystem?” and “How should synthetic systems be regulated?” prompting us to incorporate clearer explanations of biocontainment strategies and ethical review processes. These voices not only expanded the perspective of our project but also strengthened its social responsibility dimension.

NEFU-China Social Media Outreach

Existing Barriers

In the process of communicating synthetic biology to the public, we have identified several core barriers that affect public understanding and acceptance. Firstly, some members of the public hold cognitive biases regarding gene editing, such as mistakenly believing that genes can be arbitrarily modified or harboring irrational resistance to genetically modified products, which hinders the establishment of scientific rationality. Secondly, there is a general lack of attention to global climate change and the practical value of biotechnology in fields like healthcare and environmental protection, coupled with relatively weak background knowledge, leading to insufficient awareness of the importance of synthetic biology. Thirdly, biology enthusiasts often lack effective channels to learn about cutting-edge topics and participate in professional discussions, which limits deeper engagement from a broader audience. Lastly, many people have knowledge gaps in basic experimental techniques such as PCR and agarose gel electrophoresis, often overlooking key operational details, which affects their understanding of experimental content and practical skills.

Our Design Approach

To address these barriers, we have systematically planned a multi-level, multi-format content and action strategy. We have registered accounts on WeChat Official Accounts, RedNote, and Tiktok, planning to publish knowledge content in series to systematically tackle the aforementioned obstacles:

To systematically address public cognitive barriers in synthetic biology communication, we first launched the "Gene Editing Misconceptions Clarified" series, aiming to directly respond to common misunderstandings and biases, systematically introduce technical principles and ethical boundaries, thereby enhancing the public's scientific literacy. Building on this, to overcome the public's lack of attention and awareness of biotechnology, we planned in-depth topics such as "Climate 'Craze'! The Survival Challenges of Earth's Organisms," combining real-world cases in healthcare and environmental protection to highlight the practical application value of biotechnology and raise readers' awareness and understanding of related global crises. Simultaneously, to bridge the gap in public participation channels, we actively built online scientific exchange communities through columns like "A Real Day in the Life of a Biologist's Lab," encouraging biology enthusiasts to participate in professional discussions and establishing a long-term dialogue mechanism between the public and the research community. Additionally, to address readers' gaps in basic knowledge and practical , we systematically produced content on experimental principles and techniques, providing in-depth explanations of the principles and experimental details of key techniques such as PCR and electrophoresis, helping readers solidify their experimental foundation and standardize operational procedures, thereby comprehensively improving their scientific practical literacy.

Implementation

We carry out science outreach through multi-platform collaboration, having established the WeChat Official Account "东林iGEMer," the RedNo account "NEFU-China," and a Tiktok account, forming a three-dimensional communication matrix covering text, short videos, and live streams.

Among these, the Xiaohongshu account "NEFU-China" has published 20 posts, gained 115 followers, and received a total of 296 likes and favorites. Content such as "A Real Day in the Life of a Biologist's Lab," which authentically portrays scientific research work environments, has shown significant interaction and comment engagement, attracting a group of biology enthusiasts interested in experimental techniques.

The WeChat Official Account "东林iGEMer" has 850 followers and a total view count of 5,370, consistently publishing content related to synthetic biology science outreach and project updates.

Furthermore, the team has also initiated live stream activities on the Tiktok platform to expand communication formats and enhance user participation and real-time interaction.

In specific implementation, the team adopts a clear division of labor, with members responsible for content creation, visual design, and platform operation respectively, ensuring content quality and publishing efficiency. We adhere to regular updates, planning different types of themes weekly to maintain account activity. At the same time, we place high importance on data feedback, relying on metrics such as readership, likes, favorites, and comment interactions to continuously optimize content strategy—including adjusting titles and cover images, and adding comic illustrations in posts like "Principles and Applications of PCR Technology" and video explanations in posts like "Agarose Gel Electrophoresis Experimental Operation"—to improve comprehension and user engagement.

Feedback

These efforts have also received positive feedback from readers. Background messages indicate that the content has effectively helped readers clarify knowledge gaps in areas including PCR technology and gene editing, with some specifically mentioning, "Great outreach, very interesting." Through readership analysis, we also found that attractive article titles and cover images can significantly increase open rates; therefore, we will further optimize titles and visual design to better meet reader needs.

Providing scientific access for special populations

Creative Workshop for Youth with Intellectual Disabilities

Existing Barriers

The field of science outreach for youth with intellectual disabilities lacks systematic models and mature resources. Prevailing perceptions of their limited scientific understanding have led to a scarcity of tailored content. We observed that many of these youths are naturally curious about everyday phenomena, yet this curiosity often goes unmet due to a shortage of appropriately adapted educational materials.

This initiative is a practical effort to combine vocational training with scientific enlightenment. It aligns with the Harbin Zhongcheng Disability Support Association's ongoing work to create employment opportunities and establish a skills training program for a traditional steamed bun workshop.

Seizing this opportunity, we integrated microbial fermentation knowledge into the process of making Sculpted Bread, attempting to introduce life science through a "learning-by-doing" approach. As current research on the specific needs of this group for science outreach is still insufficient, such practices are inherently exploratory. Through hands-on activities, we aim to observe the receptiveness and engagement of youth with intellectual disabilities toward scientific knowledge, assess the effectiveness of this outreach format, and accumulate reference experience for future initiatives.

Although the outcomes of such activities remain to be seen, we believe that by respecting individual differences and adopting a practical, life-oriented design, we can open a new window for these youth to access science. We also hope that through these efforts, we can gradually develop more suitable science outreach pathways, thereby creating more possibilities for their cognitive development and vocational skill enhancement.

Our Design Approach

In the design of this science outreach activity for youth with intellectual disabilities, we centered on the theme of "Hua Mo fermentation," closely aligning it with the employment support program run by the Zhongcheng Disability Support Association. The activity began by guiding participants to feel the fluffy texture of Hua Mo and observe its internal porous structure, naturally leading to the exploratory question: "Why does the dough become fluffy?" This seamlessly integrated abstract microbial knowledge into a tangible vocational context.

To reduce cognitive barriers, we employed everyday analogies—comparing "the active role of microorganisms in suitable environments and their dormancy in unsuitable ones" to "a person's willingness to help when receiving a suitable gift versus reluctance when the gift is unsuitable." This used familiar social logic to explain microbial behavior.

Instead of one-way instruction, we emphasized hands-on practice, using sensory experiences like observing dough texture to attract and maintain attention. An art-creation segment was also introduced, where participants painted microbial forms and their functions. A collaborative puzzle activity required pairs to complete a microbe-themed puzzle, then exchange pieces to co-create a new pattern—experiencing the value of cooperation through interaction.

The design built a multi-sensory, multi-layered outreach framework through four dimensions: vocational context, life-like analogy, hands-on practice, and artistic expression.

Implementation

During implementation, we replaced theoretical explanations with life-like analogies and hands-on practice, and carried out the activities as planned. Smooth transitions between segments—such as puzzle-solving, painting, and dough observation—were facilitated by incorporating games like "Pass the Parcel" and talent shows. These provided mental breaks, reduced cognitive fatigue, and maintained engagement.

In the painting session, team members approached each participant individually, using gentle questions to inspire creativity and offering encouraging feedback like, "This idea is amazing!" or "You’ve drawn the microbe so vividly!" After completion, volunteers invited participants to take photos together, reinforcing a sense of achievement and boosting confidence.

The team remained flexible, adjusting activity pacing based on real-time engagement—for example, extending time for puzzle-solving when needed—ensuring a supportive and pressure-free experience.

Feedback

Feedback from different groups after the activity was positive:

Youth expressed joy and gratitude through their creations. One participant drew a "waves and ocean" themed painting and wrote, "Thank you, volunteers," reflecting both recognition of the activity and the warmth of the accompanying support.

Notably, some youth with stronger cognitive abilities demonstrated understanding of "microorganisms," producing drawings closely related to the content and even asking simple questions. This outcome effectively challenges the bias that "youth with intellectual disabilities cannot engage with scientific concepts," strengthening our confidence in such outreach efforts.

Parents highly appreciated the activity, noting its rarity and value in offering a specialized chance for their children to explore science and express themselves. Many took initiative to take photos with the team, further affirming the activity’s impact.

Partner organizations and social volunteers also showed sustained interest. The Zhongcheng Association praised the design and execution, while new volunteers—including those with software skills—expressed willingness to support future sessions, paving the way for expanded collaboration and richer content.

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