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 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