In this Short Activity, learners explore the engineering aspect of synthetic biology by solving challenges through building a model cell.
This is a hands-on activity for Building with Biology, in which visitors explore the engineering aspect of synthetic biology by solving challenges through building a model cell with standardized genetic parts. Many genetic components can be used as part of the solution to multiple problems. Kits of standardized genetic parts—like “BioBricks”—are already being developed for real-world applications.
BIG IDEA
Synthetic biology builds biological systems. Synthetic biology is interconnected with society.
LEARNING GOALS
- Synthetic biology develops tools and knowledge to build new living organisms and materials.
- Synthetic biologists can create and use standardized parts made of genes.
- Synthetic biology may provide solutions to problems in areas such as food security, healthcare, energy, and the environment.
DOWNLOAD FILES
- Kit of Parts – activity guide (DOCX)
- Kit of Parts – activity guide (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – challenge cards (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – facilitator guide (DOCX)
- Kit of Parts – facilitator guide (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – toolkit mat (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – sign (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – sticker (English) (Spanish) (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – synthetic biology reference sheet (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – kit materials (JPG)
- Kit of Parts – activity guide (Spanish) (DOCX)
- Kit of Parts – activity guide (Spanish) (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – challenge cards (Spanish) (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – toolkit mat (Spanish) (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – sign (Spanish) (PDF)
- Kit of Parts – synthetic biology reference sheet (Spanish) (PDF)
