SynBio & Me
Synthetic Biology and Me is an NSF Learning Sciences project focused on co-designing culturally responsive BioMaker activities for youth and families in underserved communities. The project explores how intergenerational learning, biomaking, and synthetic biology can support engagement, identity development, and interest in science through hands-on learning experiences. The project works in partnership with community organizations including La Nube STEAM Discovery Center in El Paso and BUGSS in Baltimore.
The project uses a participatory co-design approach where youth and families help shape learning activities connected to synthetic biology, biomaterials, sustainability, and community interests. Activities include BioString, Mycelium, and Agar Art workshops and emphasize learning through exploration, making, reflection, and sharing.
Planned Scale-Up
The larger long-term project goal included scaling implementation to approximately 500 youth and family participants in later phases of the project.
2026
Research Goals
The pilot phase will explore:
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Participant understanding of synthetic biology
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Science identity and self-concept
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Engagement with biomaking
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Intergenerational learning experiences
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Community-centered approaches to STEM education
2026
Data Collection Activities
Year 2 will include:
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Pre- and post-interviews
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Surveys
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Video recordings
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Collection of co-design artifacts and participant-created materials
Implementation Sites
Pilot implementation and data collection will occur through partnerships with:
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La Nube STEAM Discovery Center (El Paso)
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Baltimore Underground Science Space (BUGSS)
November 2025
Advisory Board Meeting
The project team met with the advisory board to review implementation progress and next steps.
Our Timeline
Year 1: Co-Design
March - June 2025
Activity Development
The team developed foundational synthetic biology learning activities and biomaterial experiences, including BioString, Mycelium, and Agar Art.
July 2025
First Co-Design Workshop — La Nube (El Paso)
Youth participated in a ten-day co-design workshop where they explored synthetic biology concepts, experimented with biomaterials, and collaboratively designed learning activities for informal learning environments.
Workshop activities included:
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Introduction to synthetic biology and co-design
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Strawberry DNA extraction
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Biomaterial exploration
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BioString, Mycelium, and Agar Art activities
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Group redesign sessions
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Final presentations and showcases
August 2025
Second Co-Design Workshop — BUGSS (Baltimore)
A second co-design session was implemented at BUGSS with youth participants in Baltimore to expand and refine activity ideas across sites and communities.
Youth participants created a wide range of prototype ideas, including:
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Games
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Construction kits
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Experiments
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Art activities
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Sustainability-focused designs
Example projects included: (we have pic - final projects)
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BioString and Mycelium board games
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BioBoat buoyancy exhibit
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Jewelry-making kits
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MycoMission planetary exploration activity
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Paint-by-number bioart activities
November 2025 - August 2026
Data Organization, Analysis, and Dissemination
The team organized workshop data, analyzed findings, and prepared dissemination products, including conference presentations and research outputs.
Year 2: Pilot and Implementation
2026
Curriculum Pilot Implementation
Year 2 will focus on piloting the co-designed activities developed during Year 1. The curriculum pilot phase is designed as an 8-week implementation involving youth and families.
