In an effort to provide more awareness and access to STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) learning opportunities, the Cadets2Vets team partnered with Graduate Tacoma, a local non-profit, to host a fun and interactive family science event. Students were each given their own UV LED flashlight and a glow stick bracelet as they entered. While families ate the provided food, our team explained that we are working on a project for the iGEM competition. We talked about synthetic biology and explained how we have engineered an arsenic test using an arsenic regulating protein and a glowing fluorescent protein, comparing our test to those used in hot tubs to test chemicals. A history of the ASARCO plant was given, as well as some information about the health risks of arsenic and why it is important to test for it.​

Information was given about bioluminescent jellyfish and how their GFP has been used as a marker for various kinds of tests. We spoke briefly about how DNA codes for these proteins and that genes, sections of DNA, can be moved into the cells of other organisms. We went on to outline different kinds of bioluminescence and how these “creature powers” could inspire new approaches to bioengineering.

Families were then instructed on the different STEAM stations that were provided. Since the ages of students varied from four to ten years-old, we provided a wide range of activities. Some were as simple as coloring a diagram of bioluminescent organisms and constructing a jellyfish craft, while other activities had students building models of DNA and painting with glowing chemicals. We were also lucky to partner with a self-proclaimed microbial supremacist, a professor at the University of Puget Sound, who brought in his amazing bioluminescent bacteria artwork to share with families and talk more about the potential research opportunities with these amazing microorganisms.

Overall, the night was a hit with excited kids and happy parents who were impressed with the fun and learning that was had by all.