Team:SJTU-Software/Communication
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Course
We introduced the relevant background of the International Genetic Engineering Machine Competition (iGEM) and the project theme of SJTU-Software to students of different ages.
Combined with the current social status of cancer prevention and treatment, we presented the goal of our theme. We told them the fact of high incidence and mortality of cancer and lack of efficient detecting methods, therefore, proving the importance of developing an efficient early screening technology.
We provided biological knowledge for the primary students in western China, through the course of career guidance. After the introduction, most students became very interested in synthetic biology, and were full of expectations and yearning for the field of biology. It's estimated that nearly 70% of the students in the class said they would like to become workers in the biological field in the future.
Hands-on
We asked students to build the model of DNA with their intelligence, making them understand some basic knowledge of DNA such as the skeleton, bases and hydrogen bond force. They fully perceived the mode of double helix and experienced the charm of teamwork by the actual assembly.
Meanwhile, students were invited to find out the probable structure of DNA and the method we could probably apply to do the compute by means of shaping (pinching plasticine). After that, we asked them to explain their work and analyze it.
Furthermore, we added some biological experiments in the hands-on part. Through making leaf vein bookmarks, students could explore the mysteries of biology from a macro perspective, find points of interest and further get knowledge of the combination and application of synthesis and biology by analogizing between the procedure and the one of gene knockout.
Brainstorm
In the free discussion session, students continued to have extensive discussions on the replication principles of DNA and RNA, the principle of DNA strand replacement reaction and the usage of DNA. They also expressed their own ideas on how to use biological knowledge they've just learned to fight cancer.
Our activities have received unanimous praise from students and extensive attention from teachers and parents. Students all hoped that there could be more courses and activities like these in the future to help them better understand synthetic biology.
During the brainstorm, students expressed their opinions imaginatively, and we also chose some representatives to give a speech and encouraged them to draw their own vision of the future of synthetic biology. Students all actively participated in it.
Information-based classroom
We built some information-based classrooms for local teachers and students to take advantage of and instructed them how to use the biological software, do virtual biological experiments and learn about the frontier knowledge and application of biotechnology.
Considering the close relationship between bioinformatics and synthetic biology and the convenience of information-based education, we put our emphasis on teaching students how to apply virtual experiment software with the help of step-by-step learning guide. In that way, students could understand the experimental specifications and operating procedures. Besides, the way of software simulation let them ‘watch’ the contents of central dogma of molecular biology, gene pathway, and so on vividly.
Website
In order to further promote synthetic biology and the related knowledge of early cancer screening, we have built a website. After opening the website, you can intuitively view the content of synthetic biology and early cancer screening. Moreover, the information of our team and project can be acquired from it. In the future, we will continue to improve the website and let it play a greater role in science popularization. Click here to visit our web
Game
In order to better promote knowledge of early cancer diagnosis, we developed an interesting and educational game to help the public understand more about it. During our visits to schools and communities, this game had gain great popularity among young children and adults.
Notably, we built our game mainly based on a traditional Chinese puzzle, which names Huarong Road. Its target is to move the largest part to the middle of bottom position, and the less steps we take, the more scores we will get. By playing this innovative game, people will have a better understanding of early cancer screening.