Team:Freiburg/HumanPractices/Education
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== 2.2 High school Students == | == 2.2 High school Students == | ||
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Revision as of 17:01, 24 September 2012
2. EDUCATIONAL OUTREACH
2.1 Children – DNA-Extraction
-- Photos: DropboxphotosPics 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:
- iGEM and our project
- Possibilities of synthetic biology
- Risks, concerns and social implications