Difference between revisions of "Team:HKUST-Rice/Practices Debate"

 
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<h1 style="color: #000000">Community Outreach Debate</h1>
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<div id= "page_title"><h1>Community Outreach Debate</h1>
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</div>
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<div id="MYicon1">
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                      <a href="https://2015.igem.org/Team:HKUST-Rice/Practices_ExploratoryResearch"><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/e/ea/HKUST-Rice15_leftarrow.png">
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                  <p style="color:#5570b0; font-size: 130%"> Exploratory research </p></a>
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</div>
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<div class="project_content">
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<div class="project_row"><br>
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<h1>Introduction</h1>
 +
<p>The debate was held on June 24, 2015. The HKUST-Rice iGEM team collaborated with the Rice University Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (IBB) Girls’ BioScience STEM initiative program. Participants were presented with the following question for the debate: “Is it ethical to treat micro-organisms as a machine for the betterment of agriculture?” After receiving various reading materials for the topic, the participants discussed a few key points to solidify their arguments. </p>
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<div class="project_row">
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<hr class="para">
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<table>
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<td style="width: 50%; padding-right: 20px; vertical-align: text-top;">
 +
<h1>Participants</h1>
 +
<p>Twelve members of the Rice Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (IBB) Girls STEM Initiative were invited to participate in our bioethics debate. These rising high school seniors—all females—from various backgrounds take part in several mentored science and math activities throughout the year. This outreach program cultivates interest in STEM fields through exposure to the latest advances in biomedical research. Furthermore, the program promotes college readiness and encourages meaningful student-mentor interactions. More information about this organization can be found <a href="http://ibb.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=2147483879]"target="_blank"<u><ins style="color: #2E2EFE">HERE.</ins></u></a>
 +
</p>
 +
</td>
  
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29">Introduction</h3>
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<td style="padding-left: 20px;">
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<h1>Preparation</h1>
 +
<p>To prepare for this activity, students were asked to read the following two articles outlining some applications of synthetic biology, especially with respect to agriculture.</p>
  
−
<p>We held a debate with high school students on the topic: “Is it ethical to treat micro-organisms as a framework for the betterment of agriculture?”  There are some intriguing thoughts emerging with the advancement of synthetic biology, and these may possibly elucidate a means of improving quality of life. Some people believe that we as human beings poorly manage the use of resources and are now reaping the fruits of past actions. Thus, it may seem unreasonable to use and modify other organisms in exchange for the betterment of our life. Therefore, we question whether “saving the world and improving quality of life” is an excuse to treat microorganisms as a biological machine in agricultural practices.</p> <br>
+
<p style=" font-size: 110%; line-height: 250%;"><a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/09/beyond-gmos-the-rise-of-synthetic-biology/380770/" target="_blank"><ins style="color: #2E2EFE">
 +
Beyond GMOs: The Rise of Synthetic Biology</ins></a><br>
 +
<a href="http://www.nature.com/news/synthetic-biologists-and-conservationists-open-talks-1.12807" target="_blank"><ins style="color: #2E2EFE">
 +
Synthetic Biologists and Conservationists Open Talks</ins></p></a>
 +
<br><img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/3/31/HKUST-Rice15_debatephoto.png" style="width: 443px; height: 255px; float: left;">
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29">Objectives</h3>
 
  
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<li>To critically examine the ethical and moral landscapes of synthetic biology.</li>
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<hr class="para">
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<li>To reflect on the benefit and harm conferred by human activities.</li>
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<li>To assess various attitudes towards the controversies surrounding synbio applications to improve people’s lives.</li>
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</ol><br>
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29">Participants</h3>
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<h1>Objectives</h1>
 +
<p>
 +
1. To critically examine the ethical and moral landscapes of synthetic biology.<br>
 +
2. To reflect on the benefit and harm conferred by human activities.<br>
 +
3. To assess various attitudes towards the controversies surrounding synbio applications designed to improve people's lives.
 +
</p>
  
−
<p>Twelve members of the Rice Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (IBB) Girls STEM Initiative were invited to participate in our bioethics debate.  These rising high school seniors—all females—from economically disadvantaged backgrounds take part in several mentored science and math activities throughout the year.  This outreach program cultivates interest in STEM fields through exposure to the latest advances in biomedical research.  Furthermore, the program promotes college readiness and encourages meaningful student-mentor interactions.  More information about this organization can be found <a href="http://ibb.rice.edu/Content.aspx?id=2147483879]"<u><ins style="color: #2E2EFE">HERE.</ins></u></a> </p><br>
 
  
 +
<br>
 +
<h1>Debate Topic </h1>
 +
<p style="font-size:150%"><strong>“Is it ethical to treat micro-organisms as a machine for the betterment of agriculture?”</strong></p>
  
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29"> Debate Topic </h3>
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</div>
  
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<p>Students debated the question:  Is it ethical to treat microorganisms as a machine for the betterment of agriculture?</p><br>
 
  
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<div class="project_row">
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<hr class="para">
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<h1>Video</h1><br>
  
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29"> Preparation </h3>
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<img src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/8/8e/Team_HKUST-Rice_2015_debateflow.jpg" style="width: 100%; height: auto; position: left;">
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+
−
<p>To prepare for this activity, students were asked to read the following two articles outlining some applications of synthetic biology, especially with respect to agriculture.</p>
+
−
 
+
−
<a href="http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2014/09/beyond-gmos-the-rise-of-synthetic-biology/380770/"><p> <ins style="color: #2E2EFE">Beyond GMOs: The Rise of Synthetic Biology</ins> </p></a>
+
−
<a href="http://www.nature.com/news/synthetic-biologists-and-conservationists-open-talks-1.12807"><p> <ins style="color: #2E2EFE">Synthetic Biologists and Conservationists Open Talks</ins> </p></a>
+
 
<br>
 
<br>
 +
<table>
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<td style="width: 45%; padding-right: 20px;">
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<h2 style=" font-size: 200%;"><b> Preparation and Affirmative Opening Statement: </b></h2>
 +
<p> Each group took two minutes to present opening statements in support of its assigned stance. The affirmative side pushed for synthetic biology research to harness advancements in technology to create more crops and resources, while reducing pollution. </p>
 +
</td>
  
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<h3 style="color: #3D3D29"> Videos </h3>
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<!--<h2 style=" font-size: 200%;"><b>Part 1 </b></h2>-->
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<video width="467px" height="353px" controls>
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<p>Students were divided into two groups, and each group was assigned to defend either the affirmative or the negative position.  The girls used the first ten minutes of the activity to plan their opening statement, three main arguments, potential counterarguments, and closing remarks.</p>
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</video>
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<br>
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<video width="380" height="280" controls>
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   <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/2/2e/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_1.mp4" type="video/mp4">
 
   <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/2/2e/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_1.mp4" type="video/mp4">
 
</video>
 
</video>
−
<p> Part 1 </p>
+
</td>
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<video width="380" height="280" controls>
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 +
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 +
<!--<h2 style=" font-size: 200%; padding-left: 70%;"><b>Part 2 </b></h2>-->
 +
<video width="467px" height="353px" controls>
 
   <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/1/16/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_2.mp4" type="video/mp4">
 
   <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/1/16/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_2.mp4" type="video/mp4">
 
</video>
 
</video>
−
<p> Part 2 </p>
+
</td>
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<br>
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<video width="380" height="280" controls>
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  <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/7/78/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_3.mp4" type="video/mp4">
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−
</video>
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<p> Part 3 </p>
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−
<br>
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<video width="380" height="280" controls>
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  <soure src="" type="video/mp4">
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<p> Part 4 </p>
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<!--
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−
<p>Each group took two minutes to present opening statements in support of its assigned stance.</p>
+
<td style="width: 45%; padding-right: 20px;">
−
<div align="center">
+
<h2 style=" font-size: 200%;"><b> Negative Opening Statements: </b></h2>
−
 
+
<p>On the contrary, the side against using synthetic biology research for agricultural uses argued that using this type of research would disrupt the natural balance of our ecosystems, which could possibly result in mutant species and other irreversible effects.</p>
−
<!--<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/c/c7/Rice_3_Opening_argument_2.mov" />
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<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="width: 45%; padding-right: 20px;">
 +
<h2 style=" font-size: 200%;"><b> Counter Arguments: </b></h2>
 
<p>The students elaborated on their initial statements for an additional two minutes per argument.  Rebuttal and counterargument periods were one minute each.</p>
 
<p>The students elaborated on their initial statements for an additional two minutes per argument.  Rebuttal and counterargument periods were one minute each.</p>
−
<div align="center">
+
</td>
  
−
<!--<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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<td style="width: 55%; padding-left: 20px;">
−
<iframe src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/c/cc/Rice_4_Counterargument_1.mov" portrait="0" width="522" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>
+
<video width="467px" height="353px" controls>
−
    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/c/cc/Rice_4_Counterargument_1.mov" />
+
  <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/7/78/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_3.mp4" type="video/mp4">
−
</video></div>
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</video>
 +
</td>
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</tr>
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</table><br>
  
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<div align="center">
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<table>
 +
<tr>
 +
<td style="width: 55%; padding-right: 20px;">
 +
<video width="467px" height="353px" controls>
 +
  <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/9/90/Team-HKUST-Rice-Ethical_debate_part_4.mp4" type="video/mp4">
 +
</video>
 +
</td>
  
−
<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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<td style="width: 45%; padding-left: 20px;">
−
<iframe src="hhttps://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/b/b8/Rice_5_Counterargument_2.mov" portrait="0" width="522" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<h2 style=" font-size: 200%;"><b> Free Arguments and Wrap-up <br><br>Discussion: </b></h2>
−
    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/b/b8/Rice_5_Counterargument_2.mov" />
+
<p>By the end of the debate, most students were still uncertain about whether the use of microorganisms to promote human agricultural practices was definitively right or wrong. The overarching complexities underlying this ethical issue were summarized in a brief wrap-up discussion.</p>
−
</video></div>
+
</td>
  
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<div align="center">
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</tr>
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</table>
  
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<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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</div>
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<iframe src="hhttps://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/3/3a/Rice_6_Counterargument_3.mov" portrait="0" width="522" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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−
    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/3/3a/Rice_6_Counterargument_3.mov" />
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</video></div>
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<div align="center">
 
  
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<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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<div class="project_row">
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<iframe src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/3/3c/Rice_7_Counterargument_4.mov" portrait="0" width="522" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>
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<hr class="para">
−
    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/3/3c/Rice_7_Counterargument_4.mov" />
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<h1>Significance</h1>
−
</video></div>
+
 +
<p>The participants of the debate presented well-reasoned arguments supporting and opposing synthetic biology. The debate analyzed the ethics of using this type of research. Findings included rational, dynamic opinions against using synthetic biology, even if such work could be shown to improve lives. However, the proponents of synthetic biology emphasized that we must learn more by doing research, while acknowledging ethical opposition by putting regulations in place. <br><br>
  
−
<div align="center">
+
In addition, exposing high school girls to new complex ideas and knowledge, including controversial synthetic biology topics, sparked curiosity and interest among the participants.  This excitement is essential to support our next generation of college undergraduates and researchers while fostering encouragement for STEM
 +
and, specifically, synthetic biology.
 +
</p>
 +
</div>
  
−
<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
 
−
<iframe src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/0/09/Rice_8_Free_debate.mov" portrait="0" width="522" height="300" frameborder="0"></iframe>
 
−
    <source src="https://static.igem.org/mediawiki/2015/0/09/Rice_8_Free_debate.mov" />
 
−
</video></div>-->
 
  
−
<p>By the end of the debate, most students were still uncertain about whether the use of microorganisms to promote human agricultural practices was definitively right or wrong.  The overarching complexities underlying this ethical issue were summarized in a brief wrap-up discussion.</p>
+
<div class="project_row">
−
<div align="center">
+
<hr class="para">
−
 
+
<h1>Participant Feedback</h1>
−
<!--<video controls poster="<div class="centeredVideo">
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+
−
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−
 
+
−
<h3 style="color: #3D3D29"> Participant Feedback </h3>
+
 
<p>The girls filled out a survey at the end of the activity, and this is what they had to say:</p>
 
<p>The girls filled out a survey at the end of the activity, and this is what they had to say:</p>
  
−
<p><i><font size="3">“This was a very interesting topic to introduce to us.  Thank you for doing this activity!  This is what continues to encourage my pursuit in science and reminds me of all its interesting possibilities.”</p>
+
<p style="text-align: center; font-size: 140%; line-height: 140%;"><i>“This was a very interesting topic to introduce to us.  Thank you for doing this activity!  This is what continues to encourage my pursuit in science and reminds me of all its interesting possibilities.”
  
−
<p>“This was a very interesting debate; this topic was new to me and gave me a better understanding of what synthetic biology is.”</p>
+
<br><br>“This was a very interesting debate; this topic was new to me and gave me a better understanding of what synthetic biology is.”
  
−
<p>“The debate was great and it allowed me to consider both sides of experiments and scientific changes in the environment.  It opened my mind on how scientists should consider the bigger picture rather than just the goal in mind.”</p>
+
<br><br>“The debate was great and it allowed me to consider both sides of experiments and scientific changes in the environment.  It opened my mind on how scientists should consider the bigger picture rather than just the goal in mind.”
  
−
<p>“I love this activity.  Even though I was scared at first, this activity helped me understand certain ethical issues that arise.  Everything is constantly changing, and we have to decide when is the right time to stop or continue changing.”</p>
+
<br><br>“I love this activity.  Even though I was scared at first, this activity helped me understand certain ethical issues that arise.  Everything is constantly changing, and we have to decide when is the right time to stop or continue changing.”
  
−
<p>“I had fun!  I learned to fight for a side I didn’t support and see from an ‘outsiders view.’ I would like to [learn] more about syn bio and what specifically it is researching.”</p>
+
<br><br>“I had fun!  I learned to fight for a side I didn’t support and see from an ‘outsiders view.’ I would like to [learn] more about syn bio and what specifically it is researching.”
  
−
<p>“This activity was very educational and thought-provoking.”</i></p>
+
<br><br>“This activity was very educational and thought-provoking.”</i></p>
 +
 +
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{{HKUST-Rice Directory}}

Latest revision as of 03:22, 18 September 2015

Community Outreach Debate


Introduction

The debate was held on June 24, 2015. The HKUST-Rice iGEM team collaborated with the Rice University Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (IBB) Girls’ BioScience STEM initiative program. Participants were presented with the following question for the debate: “Is it ethical to treat micro-organisms as a machine for the betterment of agriculture?” After receiving various reading materials for the topic, the participants discussed a few key points to solidify their arguments.

Participants

Twelve members of the Rice Institute of Biosciences and Bioengineering (IBB) Girls STEM Initiative were invited to participate in our bioethics debate. These rising high school seniors—all females—from various backgrounds take part in several mentored science and math activities throughout the year. This outreach program cultivates interest in STEM fields through exposure to the latest advances in biomedical research. Furthermore, the program promotes college readiness and encourages meaningful student-mentor interactions. More information about this organization can be found HERE.

Preparation

To prepare for this activity, students were asked to read the following two articles outlining some applications of synthetic biology, especially with respect to agriculture.

Beyond GMOs: The Rise of Synthetic Biology
Synthetic Biologists and Conservationists Open Talks

Objectives

1. To critically examine the ethical and moral landscapes of synthetic biology.
2. To reflect on the benefit and harm conferred by human activities.
3. To assess various attitudes towards the controversies surrounding synbio applications designed to improve people's lives.


Debate Topic

“Is it ethical to treat micro-organisms as a machine for the betterment of agriculture?”

Video



Preparation and Affirmative Opening Statement:

Each group took two minutes to present opening statements in support of its assigned stance. The affirmative side pushed for synthetic biology research to harness advancements in technology to create more crops and resources, while reducing pollution.


Negative Opening Statements:

On the contrary, the side against using synthetic biology research for agricultural uses argued that using this type of research would disrupt the natural balance of our ecosystems, which could possibly result in mutant species and other irreversible effects.

Counter Arguments:

The students elaborated on their initial statements for an additional two minutes per argument. Rebuttal and counterargument periods were one minute each.

Free Arguments and Wrap-up

Discussion:

By the end of the debate, most students were still uncertain about whether the use of microorganisms to promote human agricultural practices was definitively right or wrong. The overarching complexities underlying this ethical issue were summarized in a brief wrap-up discussion.

Significance

The participants of the debate presented well-reasoned arguments supporting and opposing synthetic biology. The debate analyzed the ethics of using this type of research. Findings included rational, dynamic opinions against using synthetic biology, even if such work could be shown to improve lives. However, the proponents of synthetic biology emphasized that we must learn more by doing research, while acknowledging ethical opposition by putting regulations in place.

In addition, exposing high school girls to new complex ideas and knowledge, including controversial synthetic biology topics, sparked curiosity and interest among the participants. This excitement is essential to support our next generation of college undergraduates and researchers while fostering encouragement for STEM and, specifically, synthetic biology.

Participant Feedback

The girls filled out a survey at the end of the activity, and this is what they had to say:

“This was a very interesting topic to introduce to us. Thank you for doing this activity! This is what continues to encourage my pursuit in science and reminds me of all its interesting possibilities.”

“This was a very interesting debate; this topic was new to me and gave me a better understanding of what synthetic biology is.”

“The debate was great and it allowed me to consider both sides of experiments and scientific changes in the environment. It opened my mind on how scientists should consider the bigger picture rather than just the goal in mind.”

“I love this activity. Even though I was scared at first, this activity helped me understand certain ethical issues that arise. Everything is constantly changing, and we have to decide when is the right time to stop or continue changing.”

“I had fun! I learned to fight for a side I didn’t support and see from an ‘outsiders view.’ I would like to [learn] more about syn bio and what specifically it is researching.”

“This activity was very educational and thought-provoking.”