MicroscopyEducation
In situ examination of specimens in the field provides
important opportunities for ecological studies, biological research, and medical screening. Further, ultra-low-cost microscopes provide means for hands-on science education in schools and universities. Tis platform empowers a world- wide community of amateur microscopists to capture and share images of a broad range of specimens.
Outreach Te most important part of Foldscope Instruments is
not the origami microscope, but the communities that use them. As we surpass one million users, Foldscope’s com- munity spans many countries, ages, and levels of scientific background. Te Microcosmos (
https://foldscope.com/ pages/microcosmos) is Foldscope’s official online com- munity platform. It is a free social network for Foldscope users. Within the Microcosmos, Foldscope users connect, share their data and observations, ideas, and problems. It is a place to collaborate, find inspiration, and learn from fellow explorers.
Foldscope has strong partnerships with school districts,
government entities, and organizations around the world. Te COVID pandemic forced teachers to quickly come up with hands-on activities that aid learning from home, and it was during this time that Foldscope’s partnership with Ector County Independent School District (ECISD, Odessa, Texas) strengthened. In the past few years, we have led in-person workshops, as part of the “2021 Summer Camp Scholars In Progress,” and online workshops as part of the “Professional Development” for educators (Figure 1). Foldscope aims to cultivate an active community around
the world and has recently launched a project called Fold- scopes for India, where students from tribal villages receive a Foldscope and are led through scientific explorations by Foldscope trainers based in India. (Figure 2). Another part- nership that has allowed Foldscope to reach remote com- munities is with the non-profit organization Amazon Center for Environmental Education and Research (ACEER). Work- ing with ACEER, Foldscope Team member Paola Moreno- Roman visited the Maijuna community in the Peruvian
Figure 2: Top: Kids in India excitedly share their scientific observations made through a Foldscope. Bottom (left to right): Foldscope team member Paola Moreno- Roman guides a Maijuna community member on how to use the Foldscope. A Maijuna girl observes pollen through a Foldscope.
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www.microscopy-today.com • 2022 May
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