Building with Biology Project Orientations and Online Workshops

June 28, 2016

by Kayla Berry, Museum of Science

Activities and Conversations about Synthetic Biology: The Building with Biology Project (Recorded)
Tuesday, December 8, 2015

During this online workshop, presenters provided a general introduction to the fast-growing field of biological engineering and describe a NSF-funded project that brings together professionals from the scientific community and informal science educators to create conversations between synthetic biology (or a related field) scientists and members of the public around the societal implications of this topic. Presenters shared project details, including the fabrication of 200 Building with Biology free physical kits that will be distributed nationwide to support Summer 2016 Building with Biology events and conversations.

Online workshop resources

Engaging Audiences in Science through Building with Biology Public Forums (for host site staff) (Recorded)
Thursday, April 28, 2016

This online workshop covers what a forum is and how hosting a forum might benefit your Building with Biology event and institution - it's a great way to engage adult audiences! We'll discuss each of the two forum topics that you can choose from and the opportunity to apply for a $1,200 stipend to support hosting a forum in connection with your Building with Biology event. Participants will also learn what is involved in hosting a forum and have the chance to ask questions.

Online workshop resources

Building with Biology: Host Site Overview - Communicating Synthetic Biology (for host site staff) (Recorded)
Monday, May 16, 2016

Presented by AAAS - Learn more about the science communication and public engagement fundamentals we will share with scientists and volunteers during these three upcoming webinars: Public Engagement Fundamentals, All about Audiences, and Communicating Synthetic Biology. 

Online workshop resources

  • Go to Webinar recording (5/16/2016) of Host Site Overview - Communicating Synthetic Biology webinar (note: you will have to complete a short registration to view the recording)

Evaluating the Public's Experience at Building with Biology Events (for host site staff) (Recorded)
Tuesday, June 14, 2016

Hear about the resources the Building with Biology evaluation team has created to understand what public visitors at 2016 Building with Biology events learn from their experiences and value about their participation. This webinar is required for sites that have been selected as one of the event evaluation sites who will be receiving evaluation materials. However, all other kit recipients are also welcome to attend and learn about evaluation resources for the event. Topics will include evaluation materials available for the public event evaluation, how to integrate the evaluation with activities included in the Building with Biology kit, how to collect data using the evaluation materials, and ethical considerations around data collection.

Online workshop resources

What's in your Building with Biology Kit (for host site staff) (Recorded)
Tuesday, June 21, 2016

On your mark, get set, explore your new Building with Biology 2016 kit! Join us as we walk you through your new public engagement kit filled with hands-on activities, a public forum, and educational and professional development resources about synthetic biology. We'll provide an overview of the hands-on activities and offer advice for use of training materials. Project partners will be available to answer your questions. 

Online workshop resources

Evaluating Building with Biology Forums (for host site staff) (Recorded)
Thursday, June 23, 2016

This online workshop will prepare participants to collect evaluation data from participants of the Building with Biology forums call Should We Engineer the Mosquito? and Editing the Genome: Now We Can. Should We? All sites receiving a forum stipend must participate in this webinar, but all kit recipients are welcome to attend if interested in conducting their own evaluation. Evaluation team members will share resources they have created to help sites understand what scientists and members of the public learn and value about their participation in the forums. Participants will receive training in the project’s data collection methods and discuss ethical considerations about the evaluation. 

Online workshop resources

Building with Biology: Public Engagement Fundamentals (for scientists) (Recorded)
Tuesday, June 28, 2016; 12:00 - 1:00 PM EDT

Presented by AAAS - The Building with Biology project is an example of public engagement with science. Explore the value of communicating with the public. 

Online workshop resources

Building with Biology: All about Audiences (for scientists) (Recorded)
Wednesday, June 29, 2016; 3:00 - 4:00 PM EDT

Presented by AAAS - Understanding your audience helps you communicate more effectively. Learn about Americans' perceptions of synthetic biology and consider the audiences you may be interacting with. 

Online workshop resources

Building with Biology: Communicating Synthetic Biology (for scientists) (Recorded)
Thursday, June 30, 2016; 12:00 - 1:00 PM EDT

Presented by AAAS - Practice speaking clearly and concisely about synthetic biology, with an emphasis on one's own research.

Online workshop resources

  • Go to Webinar recording (7/14/2016) of Building with Biology: Communicating Synthetic Biology webinar (note: you will have to complete a short registration to view the recording)