Symposium with High School Students

Questionnaire for High School Students

Question 1

Have you ever heard of “synthetic biology”, its related research, or products?

As the pie chart below showed, most of the students have not heard of synthetic biology before. This result suggests that it is more important giving a general introduction than discussing the mechanisms deeply for outreach of synthetic biology among high school students.

Question 2

Our introduction enhanced your understanding of synthetic biology.

This result showed that more than 3 quarters of the attendees think that out introduction enhanced their understanding of synthetic biology. It is obvious that one of the goal of human practice, outreach of synthetic biology, is successfully achieved. But only 16% of the attendees agree with this thesis very much. It might be because we spent so much time on discussing the mechanism and designs than the benefits and risks.

Question 3

After the introduction, you would like to participate in synthetic biology-related research.

The pie chart below revealed that more than half of the attendees showed their interest in synthetic biology-related research. Only 4% did not want to get involved in this field. All the attendees are students from Mathematics and Science Gifted Class, which means that they are potential young synthetic biology engineers.

Question 4

After the introduction, you would like to use synthetic biology-related biomedical, agricultural, livestock product.

More than half of the students would like to use synthetic biology-related product. This may suggest that students recognize synthetic biology is a technology not only getting involved in current research but also in our daily life.

Question 5

You worry about the environmental impact from synthetic biology.

Results showed that 11% attendees disagree that synthetic biology would be a potential threat to the environment. And over 52% worry about the environmental issues. Thus, we should focus more on the safety concerns to make the audience (or the public) know the importance of biosafety and how the engineers make it into practice.

Question 6

You think that synthetic biology brings more risk than its benefit.

The pie chart showed that more the one fifth students think that synthetic biology brings more rick than its benefits while only 41% disagree with it. Combining Q5’s result, this indicates that not only environmental impact but also other social-economic issues would be the main concerns for the attendees. Therefore, the outreach of synthetic biology should include discussion on multifaceted viewpoint in order to convince the public that it is beneficial.

Question 7

You think that it is worth paying attention to safety, health, environmental issues and research regarding synthetic biology.

This result showed that over 80% students would like to know the information regarding synthetic biology. Knowing that be interested in something is the first step to participate; we successfully achieve the goal of outreach.