Education

To broaden public acceptance of synthetic biology, we designed a program for pupils in Donghu Community, Wuhan. Before our activity, in order to have a better effect in primary school student, we chose “Donghu Lake Water Pollution and Treatment”, a topic close to the children's daily lives, to frame our synthetic-biology narrative after repeated discussions, PPT refinements, and trial lectures. First, we launched an interactive lecture on how synthetic biology can help clean Donghu Lake. Then, we taught children an interesting experiment called “Yeast Balloon”, which Children observed CO₂ producted by yeast, making the concept of microbes tangible. Finally, we helped the children to make drift bottle, and they express their hopes for Donghu Lake's management using small decorated bottles.

The session enabled pupils to relate synthetic biology and microbiology to their own environment, strengthening both their understanding and their sense of stewardship for Donghu Lake.

A pre-event survey revealed that university students prefer fun, low-threshold activities for learning about biological computers. To include non-biology majors, we created the “Synthetic Biology Adventure” education event.

Our activity was launched on May 24, in Wuhan University. There were five games in this activity, including “Pictionary”, “Yes/No”, “Simulate the Ribosome” and others, all tied to synthetic-biology concepts. After completing games, participants listened to concise explanations of our LOGIC project and left feedback on sticky notes covering experiments, human practices, applications, etc.

As for feedback, our activity attracted students from diverse majors, including biology, computer science, chemistry, law, Marxist philosophy and more. After listening to the introduction and communication, the audience gained a lot, and generally believed that biological computer is a novel field with bright future but full of challenges. Meanwhile, Our activity was also well received, especially by students majoring in non-biology, who said that they could also learn some professional terms and the significance of synthetic biology and bio-computing research through this activity.

Surprisingly, our event drew enthusiastic participation from both children and parents. To accommodate their needs, we tailored the game challenges to be more accessible while providing detailed explanations to guide families through each level together. The kids loved the interactive experience and even wrote heartfelt wishes on sticky notes to show their appreciation.

Both participants and iGEMers gained knowledge and motivation, fully demonstrating diversity and reciprocity of education events.

On June 26, 2025, one iGEMer from the wet experiment group returned to Jiamusi No.1 Middle School in Heilongjiang Province to introduce the iGEM competition to students and briefly explain the LOGIC project of WHU-iGEM team in 2025, so that students can further understand the principle of biological computing and logic gate. The students were very interested in the idea of using bacteria to achieve biological computing, and they asked questions enthusiastically after the lecture. This lecture not only popularized the LOGIC project, but also ignited the students' enthusiasm for synthetic biology.

On July 2, 2025, iGEMer conducted an online presentation for students in the biology competition class at Jiamusi No.1 High School in Heilongjiang Province. They introduced the iGEM competition and systematically explained the 2025 project LOGIC of the WHU-iGEM team. With prior knowledge of microbiology and genetic engineering, the students raised numerous constructive questions and engaged in an in-depth discussion about the project's fundamental principles and genetic circuits. Many expressed strong interest in synthetic biology, looking forward to further studying the field at university and participating in iGEM competitions.

Rural Activity & Volunteer Teaching

To enhance inclusivity and equity of education, we partnered with Wuhan University's Chunhui Club and traveled to Shibi Town, Anyi County, Nanchang, Jiangxi, a remote area, on July 28 for a three-day program for local pupils aged 9 - 12.

Given limited prior exposure to advanced science of the children there, we focused on foundational synthetic-biology concepts reinforced by hands-on experiments and games. Our educational activities were divided into three sections.

The first section was "Microbes around us". The team introduced microorganisms in our environment and their diverse applications to the children, helping them develop a clearer understanding of these ubiquitous microbes. After the presentation, we introduced the basic culture kits and conditions of culture to them. Throughout the process, we emphasized the importance of proper labeling procedures and sterile techniques. The children carefully listened to our interpret and showed great curiosity to microbial culture.

The second activity, "Yeast Balloon Experiment", explored microbial life through a simple yet fascinating approach. To help children understand microorganisms, we selected yeast - a common yet often overlooked organism. First, iGEM mentors explained yeast's basic biological processes and the science behind balloon inflation. Following their guidance, participants mixed warm water, sucrose, and dried yeast into bottles, attached balloons, and carefully monitored the expansion. Through this hands-on experiment, young learners discovered how yeast's respiration demonstrates its vital role in life.

The third segment, titled "Synthetic Biology Adventure", began with iGEMers explaining the principles, applications, and significance of synthetic biology to children. We then organized group activities featuring our specially designed games that incorporated biological concepts like base pairing and signal transduction -all rooted in LOGIC's synthetic biology expertise. In the closing act, participants created imaginative "Synthetic Biology Concept Art" using crayons, visually expressing their understanding of this fascinating field. These creative works may spark new project ideas in the future, fueling innovative thinking through visual storytelling.

This educational activity not only planted the seed of synthetic biology in the hearts of children in remote areas, but also contributed a little to the fairness of education.