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The core contact point between science and the broad public is communication. The welfare of nascent scientific fields highly depends on the communication- and discussion-capacity of scientists as well as on the openness, knowledge and acceptance of society. Therefore, in addition to our practical wet lab work and theoretical philosophical analysis, we also wanted to introduce people of different ages to the novel field of synthetic biology. Since we believe that informing the public spreads understanding, promotes acceptance and avoids pre-judgement, we used most of our free time to communicate our work as ‘synthetic biologists’ particularly to children, high school students and undergraduates. Because we think disregarding the importance of appropriate ways of communication is definitely a counterproductive attitude, we tried to didactically match the content of our presentations to the age and background of the people we met. We also included our own thoughts about the metaphorical language of synthetic biology (see Philosophical analysis) to give unbiased and clear information of synthetic biology, its products, possibilities and risks. Our educational presentation of synthetic biology has four sections:

2.1 Children – DNA-Extraction

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-- Photos: DropboxphotosPics Neuenburg #5 #11 #12 #17 #20 und ‘0josipWissenstage.jpg’ --

We have ‘spread the word’ of synthetic biology among kids at every opportunity. However, because it is sometimes difficult to express the main ideas of such a specific new field like synthetic biology to small children, we decided to not only to speak about it, but to make them experience it! We wanted to give the children a first impression in the tiny, but amazing world of cell biology by learning through the own action. Using a microscope connected to a computer, we showed the children some cells and explained them the general concept of a cell, the smallest unit of life. After looking at the cells through the microscope the children were able to experience genetics. We explained them in easy terms using a plastic model how the DNA is responsible for the correct functioning and welfare of the cell. To make this rather abstract idea graspable for the kids, we showed how to extract DNA from common vegetables. In this way it was possible for them to actually see the mysterious DNA, who constantly works within their own bodies. In three different occasions we were able to introduce the children in the field of synthetic biology:

It was really nice to observe the exaltation in the faces of the children using the microscope and to see the smiles of them during DNA-extraction. The positive feedbacks we became are a clear indication of the great time the children had.

You can find the instructions for the DNA-extraction in the following link: XXX </br>

2.2 High school Students

-- Photos: Dropbox  Photos  HumanPractices  Schulbesuch  11.5.2012: #1 DSCF2125; #2 DSCF2121; #3 DSCF2120 UND  Freiburgseminar: # 4 24.05.12 18 50 09 --

For us iGEM is indeed a great opportunity for working and learning in a lab, but also a good chance to promote and discuss synthetic biology. In this vein, we decided to teach students the basic ideas of synthetic biology and our project in order to inspire them and enhance their motivation for the study of life sciences. Two of our team members visited a biotechnological high school in Freiburg ([http://www.merian-schule.de/index.php/schularten/gymnasien/biotechnologisches-gymnasium-btg Merian-Schule]) and the [http://www.freiburg-seminar.de/ Freiburg-Seminar], a central organization of the city to promote talented students. During our visit we talk about:

The students and teachers were amazed by the bright prospects of synthetic biology, but also concerned about the risks of it. Although our presentation was not able to reply to all questions and concerns, we still evoked lively interest in synthetic biology and promoted further thoughts. We would like to thank the students and teachers for the active listening and animated participation in the discussions!

-- Photo: DropboxPhotosHumanpractices HannesÖhm.jpg--

In addition to our presentation in the Merian-school and the Freiburg-Seminar, we invited high school student to have a work experience in our lab. We wanted to give them the opportunity get to know how our everydays work in synthetic biology. The students had the possibility to work with us full time a whole week and learn important methods such as PCR, gel electrophoresis and cell transformation. It was an excellent experience for us to teach these fresh minds the methods of molecular life sciences and it was as a matter of fact even helpful for our own project.