Team:MichiganState/Public Engagement
Public Engagement
Outreach Overview
The Michigan State iGEM team was excited to become more connected with the surrounding community and help with some amazing causes related to our project. Take a look below to see some of the awesome events we were a part of!
Recycle! East Lansing
Our team went out on a Saturday morning to do some hands-on recycling. We, along with other community volunteers, would accept electronics, expired medications, and various odds and ends from members of the East Lansing community. This was a great opportunity to learn more about how to recycle unconventional items. It also helps prevent the buildup of potentially hazardous waste in landfills. We had a great time!
Lansing Public Library
Our team went to Lansing Public Library to introduce them to synthetic biology. We talked to them about our project as well as doing crafts to get them excited about science. They got the chance to make their own DNA out of pipe cleaners and beads that represented their genetic traits. They also got a chance to become a synthetic biologist by creating their own genetically modified organism with superpowers to help clean up an oil spill. The kids and all of us had a fabulous time!
Lansing Parks and Recreation Kid's Camp
Our team went to Moore Park in Lansing to teach the kids a little more about DNA. We showed over 200 kids how you can extract DNA from strawberries using soap, salt, and ethanol. Once they understood that DNA is in every living organism, we allowed them to make pipe cleaner bracelets that expressed the traits that their DNA codes for traits like hair color and ability to roll your tongue.
MSU Recycling Center Tour
The MSU iGEM team had the honor to tour the MSU recycling center on campus. While there, we were given an educational lesson on why and what to recycle, the benefits of recycling and the implications of what happens when one chooses not to reduce, reuse or recycle. We were shown interesting art projects made from recycled goods and then were given a tour of the center where workers will sort bags of recycling brought from across campus. We ended our tour by visiting the MSU surplus store, where gently used furniture, clothes and other items are sold to the public. Going to the recycling center showed us what an impact we can have with our daily life choices, and it was an amazing opportunity!
