Team:REC-CHENNAI/Education-awareness-HP
EDUCATION AND AWARENESS
Getting students to experience science outside the boundaries of the classroom was one of the reasons we decided to create a workshop with the help of Cambrionics Life Sciences. We also thought students would benefit from this opportunity given that iGEM has a high school category, they would be able to carry out their own work from there.
We thought that high school students would understand the concepts better and be able to apply it. We conducted the workshop for students from class 9 to 12. We met with students from Saveetha Eco school for a two-day workshop.
We designed a two-day workshop for the students.
We started our workshop with introduction to proteins, their existence and the sources of different proteins. The experiment was designed for isolating casein protein from milk by the curdling process. They understand how a protein’s structure is destabilized on decreasing the pH of milk using acids. The isolated casein was filtrated and confirmed for the presence of protein using Biuret’s test.
We conducted experiments to plate bacteria from different sources on agar plates. They were guided by our team in the aspects of safety and ethics for working in a laminar airflow chamber. The concept of using media to visualize microbial growth was delivered effectively to the pupils.
In order to demonstrate the role of antibiotics, antibiotics discs were placed on inoculated agar plates and incubated for growth. Naturally available antimicrobial products such as neem and turmeric were also used. On day 2, we taught the students about the zones of inhibition formed. There were certain bacteria resistant to antibiotics and the students were introduced to sensitivity and resistance of strains and the changes in their genetic makeup was explained.
Chromatography is an essential purification step in most experiments that involve proteins. We chose thin layer chromatography to explain the principle. Leaf extracts were used as samples and different bands of leaf pigments at specific length from the origin were visible.
Bacterial culture plates were exposed to different types of music and the growth of colonies was monitored. This was to show how external environmental factors can influence the growth of microorganisms.
Students were asked to place onion peel in a hypertonic, isotonic and hypotonic solution and visualise under a microscope after a while. The concept of concentration gradient of different solutions and the movement of solvents across membranes.
A demonstration of the transformation of E. coli cells using RFP gene was done. The need for introducing foreign bodies into cells and the concept of vectors were explai Different types of proteins commercially available by transformation were also mentioned. The concept of fluorescence emitted from cells was also highlighted.
At the end of the workshop, we spoke about the opportunities in Science and Synthetic Biology and the work carried out by the iGEM community to spread the word about the potential to provide possible solutions to problems in the world, such as therapeutics, food, environment, etc.
As students ourselves, we thought that high school students would benefit from understanding the opportunities that are available to them, particularly in the field of Synthetic Biology and Biotechnology. As engineers, we found that there was no better occasion than what we celebrate as Engineer’s Day in India. On September 15, we conducted a project expo to teach students the potentials of this field and to create an outreach about iGEM among the young minds.
Students of class 9 to 12, from schools Hayagriva Vidyashram, Valliammai Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Maharishi International Residential School, Sir and Lady Venkata Subbarao Matric. Hr. Sec. School, Kendriya Vidyalaya, Ryan International school, Peace on Green Earth, R.M. Vidyalaya and Government Girls Higher Secondary School were the attendees. Students from other disciplines of our college were also a part of the event.
We introduced the students to various techniques that are pivotal to working in the field of Biology. We wanted future Synthetic Biologists to know the prospects they have in iGEM and research. We designed our modules based on how best to introduce them to the basics of what we do every day. We engaged the students with hands-on activities.
The students were introduced to a simple but the most used tool in a laboratory, the micropipette. The students were taught the instances where a micropipette would come handy instead of a conventional glass pipette. The advantages of using micropipettes in minimizing handling errors and avoiding possible contamination were explained. The students had a hands-on experience using micropipettes. The students were clearly informed about using suitable tips for the given micropipettes and making adjustments on measurements. Good practices of aspiration and dispensing of liquids were taught during this event.
Acids and bases play a major role in our day to day life. We demonstrated the determination of pH in acidic and basic foods using a pH meter. Students came to know about the advantages of pH meter to pH papers. We also added on the maintenance and calibration of pH meters.Acids and bases play a major role in our day to day life. We demonstrated the determination of pH in acidic and basic foods using a pH meter. Students came to know about the advantages of pH meter to pH papers. We also added on the maintenance and calibration of pH meters.
The students were taught how to handle a compound microscope, using which we were able to explain the cellular organisation. Slides of bacteria such as E.coli and B. subtilis and eukaryotes such as Euglena, Paramecium and Amoeba were used for explanation.
The concepts of Genetic Engineering and Synthetic Biology were introduced to the students through daily life examples. We also found that not many students were aware of high school participation in iGEM. We took this opportunity to talk to them about the prospects of iGEM in their schools.
Having introduced the concepts of synthetic biology we also explained our project in a simple and student-friendly approach. We spoke about iGEM, its criteria, tracks and parts and the students showed keen interest in it.
Addressing our peers was the last thing left on our HP to-do list. We wanted to showcase our work and talk about our proposed system to other students from a similar background.
Students of Biotechnlogy and other Life Sciences were present during the conference, that was a culmination of the recent advances in Agriculture.
The members of the team were given the opportunity to present our work on the second day of the National conference to the participants and invited scientists. The presentation lasted for 20 minutes and the members explained our proposed system and why we need it. The members also answered relevant questions asked by the students. We were also able to discuss about the iGEM organisation and its community across the world. We are grateful to the organisers of Vidhai for giving us this opportunity.
