BioNanoMachine Characters and Intracellular Learning: Exploring the Interface Between Entertainment and Education

NAFADISE

Presentation (in English) by prof. Jed Macosko, Wake Forest U., USA.

Prof. Macosko from Wake Forest University will describe his BioBotz venture in light of the 21st century bionanotechnology revolution. BioBotz--named after the biological nanoscopic "robots" that operate inside of each living cell--instills excitement about molecular and cellular biology in children by bridging the gap between entertainment and science education. Entertainment is affected by bringing character value to each molecular machine and an engaging storyline to each biological process. Through this strategy, children as young as four years old not only recognize the names of molecular machines, but also know the function of molecular machines in the cell. BioBotz brings the world of molecular biology into the everyday lives of the public, and provokes the interest of children in preschool and grade school. Furthermore, BioBotz employs innovative modes of learning and capitalizes on the newest and most compelling forms of digital entertainment for children of many ages. Prof. Macosko's overall goal is to take very complex biomolecular research and present it in such a way that it becomes interesting and understandable for kids.