Merge pull request #46 from UBC-iGEM/Harrison-Education

Initial Education and Sustainability Plans, #37

src/SUMMARY.md

@@ -41,9 +41,12 @@
     - [Blog](./human-practices/communication/blog.md)
     - [User Manual](./human-practices/communication/user-manual.md)
   - [Education](./human-practices/education/index.md)
+    - [Let's Talk Science](./human-practices/education/lets-talk-science.md)
+    - [Summer Symposium](./human-practices/education/summer-symposium.md)
   - [Inclusivity](./human-practices/inclusivity/index.md)
     - [EDI Seminar](./human-practices/inclusivity/edi-seminar.md)
   - [Sustainability](./human-practices/sustainability/index.md)
+    - [Sustainable Development in Synthetic Biology](./human-practices/sustainability/sustainability.md)
   - [Event Recaps](./human-practices/events/index.md)
   - [Integrated Human Practices](./human-practices/ihp/index.md)
 

src/human-practices/education/lets-talk-science.md

@@ -0,0 +1,28 @@
+# Let's Talk Science
+
+## Overview
+The collaboration between Let’s Talk Science and the UBC iGEM team is an educational outreach initiative designed to engage high school students in the exciting field of synthetic biology. Through interactive workshops, seminars, and hands-on activities, this initiative aims to foster greater interest in the field of synthetic biology and inspire the next generation of scientists. 
+
+## Context and Scope
+Let’s Talk Science’s extensive experience in science education combined with our UBC iGEM team’s research and practical knowledge in synthetic biology is ideal for sparking interest in the topic of synthetic biology for high school students. This program will focus on making advanced scientific concepts accessible and engaging to young learners across various educational backgrounds. 
+
+## Goals and non-goals
+### Goals
+- To increase awareness and understanding of synthetic biology among highschool students
+- To inspire students to pursue further education and careers in the STEM fields, particularly in synthetic biology and related disciplines
+
+### Non-Goals
+- To target audiences outside of the highschool education level for this specific initiative
+- To provide university level technical training
+
+## Plan
+Brainstorming and ideation of classroom activities
+- Pitching idea to LTS representatives 
+- Marketing and branding
+- Contacting highschools through Let’s Talk Science 
+- Volunteer training for our internal team
+- Final activity preparations + material gathering
+- Executing our program with classroom visits
+
+## OTHER PLANS NOT IN THE TIMELINE
+Produce a DNA Storage specific classroom activity that complements our project

src/human-practices/education/summer-symposium.md

@@ -0,0 +1,29 @@
+# Summer Symposium
+
+## Overview
+UBC iGEM team’s summer symposium initiative will invite high school students to pitch their innovative synthetic biology ideas, fostering a platform for creativity, learning, and exchange. This event will aim to connect young minds with experts in the field, encouraging discussion, feedback, and the development of students’ concepts in synthetic biology. 
+
+## Context and Scope
+Centered around a symposium format, this initiative allows students to showcase their ideas in front of a panel of synthetic biology experts and peers, promoting an environment of learning and constructive critique. This event will be tailored specifically for high school students interested in synthetic biology, aiming to bridge the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application. 
+
+## Goals and non-goals
+### Goals
+- To stimulate interest in synthetic biology among high school students
+- Allow the creative process of idea generation and pitching
+- Provide a supportive platform for students to receive expert feedback
+- Enhance learning experience
+- Encourage further exploration of STEM fields 
+
+### Non-Goals
+- Providing in-depth research opportunities
+- Direct implementation of the pitched ideas 
+- Extending the initiative to include participants beyond high school students
+- To cover areas outside of synthetic biology
+
+## Plan
+- Invite high school students during Let’s Talk Science visits
+- Host potential workshops focused on the fundamentals of synthetic biology and effective pitch techniques (can be done via Zoom)
+- Have students submit their synbio project ideas
+- Review submissions and give feedback
+- Finalize logistics for the symposium
+- Host the Summer symposium!

src/human-practices/sustainability/sustainability.md

@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# Sustainable Development in Synthetic Biology
+
+## Overview
+The “Sustainability in Synthetic Biology” podcast is an engaging platform where academic, industry, and community professionals are invited to discuss the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through the lens of synthetic biology. Each episode will focus on 1-3 SDGs, exploring how innovations in synthetic biology can contribute to achieving these goals. 
+
+## Context and Scope
+This initiative will build on the success of the previous two years that it has been run, aiming to deepen the conversation around the SDGs by connecting listeners with experts from diverse fields. The podcast will not only educate its audience on the potential of synthetic biology in addressing global challenges but also foster a community of like-minded individuals' passion about sustainable development. 
+
+## Goals and non-goals
+### Goals
+- To continue exploring the intersection of synthetic biology with the SDGs
+- Enrich the audience’s understanding and appreciation for the field’s potential to impact global sustainability positively 
+- To cultivate meaning connections
+- To gain valuable relationships with influential health professionals
+- To establish a network of recurring and new guests who can contribute valuable insights to the podcast
+
+### Non-Goals
+- To venture into discussions that do not have a clear link to these areas 
+- Increasing viewership and using it for funding purposes
+
+## Plan
+- Identify and prioritize SDGs that have not been covered in previous sessions or new advancements
+- Brainstorm SDGs that can also be project specific
+- Reach out to previous guests who have been on the podcast before as well as new voices and experts who can bring unique perspectives to the podcast.
+- Figure out how to enhance production quality (better question, recording, editing, design, etc)
+- Implement a feedback mechanism for listeners and guests (identify opportunities for growth and improvement in future episodes)