In line with national directives for science education, TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology of Nankai University (and State Key Laboratory of Trace-Early Warning and Intelligent Decision-making of Infectious Diseases) held a Science and Technology Week popular science activity on May 27, 2023, with the theme of “Embrace and Esteem Science: A Magical Journey of Microbial Exploration”. A total of 35 students, kindergarten children and parents from various primary and secondary schools in Binhai New Area participated in this activity.

The opening ceremony was held in the conference room of District 1 of TEDA campus of Nankai University. Associate Dean Liu Bin of the TEDA Institute of Biological Sciences and Biotechnology of Nankai University attended and delivered a speech. The activity was orchestrated by Teacher Zhang Xiao, who warmly welcomed the young participants and their parents, outlined the day’s schedule, and fostered an atmosphere of love and respect for science.

Associate Researcher Jiang Lingyan presented an engaging talk on “You wouldn’t want to live without bacteria”. With her humorous and lively style, she introduced the children to the fascinating world of bacteria, teaching them to identify different types, discussing their pros and cons to humans, and sharing tips on maintaining good health.

Teacher Wu Junli captivated the young minds with a detailed introduction to various sophisticated instruments used in the laboratory, thereby kindling their interest in scientific knowledge.

Several teachers and volunteers carried out demonstration experiments. The children were encouraged to participate in a range of activities including LB medium preparation, light microscope observation of bacteria morphology, spread plate of lactic acid bacteria, agarose gel electrophoresis, confocal microscopy observation of bacteria invasion into cells and other experiments, which sparked the children's scientific thinking.