Team:MoWestern Davidson/human practice

Survey

Psychology Students of Davidson College researched public opinion of synthetic biology based on provided summaries of the field. Through paper and online surveys, these students collected and analyzed responses from two groups: members of academia and the general public.

Assessing members of academia provides information concerning their present knowledge of synthetic biology as well as the implementation of the field in their curricula. Here is the current analysis of that data:

HIGH SCHOOL TEACHERS:

    -289 total responses
    -They have been teaching for an average of 15.5 years (minimum was 1 year, maximum was 46 years).
    -They teach in schools of 1356 students on average.
    -88% teach at public schools (249)
    -Their school systems typically have 5-6 high schools.

What disciplines do the high school teachers teach?

    -87% teach Biology (252)
    -26% teach Chemistry (75)
    -12% teach Physics (34)
    -4% teach Math (10)
    -29% teach another subject (85)

How much do high school teachers know about synthetic biology?

    -7% (20) self-assessed as having adequate or extensive knowledge of synthetic biology
    -16%, 19%, and 25% of teachers chose the correct synthetic biology related sentence, paper title, or  
     research topic respectively

Do high school teachers teach synthetic biology or test on it?

    -1.4% (4) reported including synthetic biology on a test they give their students
    -3.5% (10) report teaching synthetic biology in some manner

Do teachers feel it is appropriate and feasible to teach synthetic biology?

    -Of the 20 teachers who self assessed as having ample knowledge of synthetic biology, the majority believe
     it is more feasible or appropriate to teach synthetic biology than it is infeasible or inappropriate to
     teach it
    -Teachers who do not have ample knowledge of synthetic biology have mixed opinions as to the feasibility
     and appropriateness of teaching synthetic biology. Most of these teachers responded in a non-committal
     manner that did not express a strong opinion either way.

The open response portion of the survey revealed that fewer than the reported 7% could display adequate knolwede of synthetic biology. Through paper and online surveys, these students collected and analyzed responses to see how individual knowledge of the field affects support of its inclusion in high school curriculums.

Two types of surveys were disseminated to the public by mail or online survey application. Each version included a description that catered to a creationist perspective and evolutionist perspective. The provided descriptions slightly conflicted with the prior knowledge of synthetic biology reported by the participants. They were written as such to receive solid data of public opinion. Both surveys included a link for more information to clear up misconceptions concerning synthetic biology. This social research was conducted to learn the attitudes toward synthetic biology with citizens and those in academia, and the potential of support for its addition in high school curriculum. There were also questions concerning religious preference to see if there is a correlation between public opinion and belief at the end of each survey.

Here are the descriptions provided on the surveys:

Creationist perspective- Synthetic biology uses molecular methods to create modified living organisms that have never existed before. These DNA-based devices perform new functions not found in nature. Synthetic biologists redesign and modify existing, natural biological systems. For instance, synthetic biologists can create new versions of microbes that make chemicals not naturally found in microbes. In many ways, synthetic biology allows scientists to redesign biological processes and create organisms not found in nature. Synthetic biology has the potential to develop technologies that could lead the way in the 21st century.(for those who know a lot about the field)

Evolutionist perspective- Synthetic biology uses molecular methods to construct DNA-based devices to perform novel functions. Synthetic biologists design, model and construct biological parts, devices and systems by engineering and modifying existing biological systems. For instance, synthetic biologists can produce microbes that make useful chemicals. Synthetic biology gives scientists the tools to build biological devices from smaller biological units in much the same way as an engineer constructs a building from smaller construction materials. Synthetic biology has the potential to develop technologies that could lead the way in the 21st century.

Physical Modeling as an Educational Tool