This workshop uses the "super powers" of bacteria to introduce participants to synthetic biology and its application in solving environmental problems, aiming to promote practical understanding of the potential of bioengineering in the direction of sustainable development.
Goals:
- Introduce synthetic biology and its relevance in solving environmental problems.
- Demonstrate the practical application of bioengineering technology.
- Promote creative problem solving and teamwork among participants.
- Stimulate participants 'interest in the STEM field, especially synthetic biology and environmental protection.
Structure:
Introduction to synthetic biology and exploration of bioengineering technologies (10 minutes):
- Present the basics of synthetic biology.
- A brief description of technologies that play a key role in advances in synthetic biology, such as gene editing and bioreactors.
- Videos or slides showing synthetic biology projects that address environmental issues, such as plastic biodegradation or carbon capture.
Case study discussion (10 minutes):
- Present detailed case studies of successful synthetic biology projects focusing on environmental solutions, such as engineered bacteria to clear oil spills or engineered bacteria to address chemical poisons in pesticides and herbicides.
Super Bacteria Game (25 minutes):
- Introduction to the game: Each group of participants received a "superbug" card that listed the abilities of a bacteria that actually existed in reality (e.g., breaking down plastic, absorbing heavy metals, and converting CO2 into oxygen).
- Participants were tasked with designing to use their bacteria to solve a real environmental pollution problem. Participants should consider the mechanism of action, possible application scale and possible challenges.
Presentation and discussion (10 minutes)
Speaker: Wang Lingzhen
An 11th grader with a passion for environmental ecology and biology. He has participated in many SEE environmental protection activities in Alxa, including a volunteer activity to clean up "white pollution" in Chongming East Beach, Shanghai, and planting trees in Xilin Gol League, Inner Mongolia. Ms. Wang aims to combine synthetic biology with environmental science to develop innovative and sustainable solutions to environmental problems.
Location: Pullman Yizhuang Xingji Hotel
Number: 15
Organizer: Shanghai Bailixi Enterprise Management Service Center