Foldscope has been busy this spring! We attended local, state, regional, and national level events geared toward children and families, K-12 educators, undergraduate students, university professors, and researchers. The beauty of Foldscope is that we are a perfect fit for all of these diverse environments. We know this because everyone who visits our booth experiences a sense of wonder and awe when they look through a Foldscope for the first time. This unifying “Wow!” moment demonstrates the importance of making science fun and accessible to everyone, everywhere.
Figure 1. Foldscope at the South Carolina Science Leadership Education Association Conference in Columbia, SC
Wonder and awe are emotions that come naturally to children. Everything is new and generates “why” questions. Early exposure to positive science experiences can increase a young person’s interest in science later in life. And involving family members can help to nurture a student’s love of science that extends beyond the classroom and into the home. This is why Foldscope’s presence at the Pacific Islanders Encouraging Fun, Engineering, Science & Technology’s (PIEFEST) 4th Annual Bay Area Pasifika S.T.E.A.M. Fair and the Quest Science Center’s 7th Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair was so valuable. PIEFEST is an organization founded in San Francisco, CA that shows the connection between STEM and Pacific Island culture. Their vision of increasing representation and accessibility in the sciences ties in well with our mission of equity and access in science education. The Quest Science Center in Livermore, CA promotes inclusion and encourages everyone to participate in science exploration. Foldscope was honored to be a part of this event that served to welcome people of diverse backgrounds to the world of science.
Figure 2. Foldscope at the 4th Annual Bay Area Pasifika S.T.E.A.M. Fair and 7th Annual Tri-Valley Innovation Fair in California
Middle school is usually when students start saying they are “no good” at or “don’t like” science. This is the perfect time to introduce them to Foldscopes! A hands-on, non-intimidating science tool that they can build and use to explore the world around them (inside, outside, and even at home!) can do wonders to increase curiosity, interest, and excitement for the sciences. Conferences like the North Carolina Middle Level Educators (NCMLE) Conference that aim to improve middle school education are great partners for Foldscope. We spoke to teachers of all content areas who saw the value in using Foldscopes for interdisciplinary lessons. We love creating “Wow!” moments for non science teachers too! Administrators and district level coordinators saw the potential for a positive impact of schoolwide Foldscope implementation on student and teacher engagement in hands-on, real world science experiences.
Figure 3. Foldscope at the NCMLE Conference in Charlotte, NC
Foldscopes are always right at home at science conferences because they can be used by scientists of all ages. In elementary schools Foldscopes can introduce students to the wonderful world of science. Middle school students can use them to make abstract concepts concrete through fun, hands-on, student led investigations. High school classrooms using Foldscopes provide opportunities to do real science and conduct research in biology, environmental science, and forensics classes. The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) Conference held in Philadelphia, PA brought together science educators from all around the world. Their goal was to provide teachers with strategies and resources that they could easily and seamlessly integrate into their classroom routines. We feel good knowing that we can provide educators a cost effective real science tool that allows every student to have their very own microscope.
Figure 4. Foldscope at the NSTA Conference in Philadelphia, PA
The benefits of Foldscope integration at the university level include the ability to do real time microscopy field work, perform independent research outside of the lab, and engage non-science majors in introductory biology courses. Several professors said that Foldscopes are a great tool for their intro to microscopy lessons because it gives students a new perspective to learn about the structure and function of a microscope. The biology professors that we spoke to at the North Carolina Community College Association of Bioscience Instructors (NC3ABI) Conference loved that Foldscopes would permit their students to do microscopy in the field. Many of these professors teach environmental science courses and couldn’t wait to get them in the hands of their students. One professor spoke of a summer course that he does on fungi and commented that using Foldscopes to do microscopic observations of the spores would be incredibly beneficial.
Figure 5. Foldscope Explorer Kit winner at the NC3ABI Conference in Mooresville, NC
One overarching theme that we encounter at most of the events we attend is that of outreach. Whether it is an individual looking to share their love of science with their family and friends, or an organization planning formal events to invite the public into the world of science, Foldscopes can help. We often hear people comment on how easy and cost effective Foldscopes are to incorporate into their programming. Outreach programs are powerful ways to bring diverse voices and perspectives to the table to make science more inclusive and welcoming to everyone. The attendees of the Northeast Region Society for Developmental Biology Conference at the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA were particularly interested in outreach. From undergraduates, graduates, post-docs, to professors, the desire to share their love of science with the public was strong, and now they know that Foldscopes are just the right tool for helping them to follow through with their mission!
Figure 6. Foldscope at the NER-SDB Conference in Woods Hole, MA
As we continue connecting with science enthusiasts around the world, we encourage you to think about ways that you can incorporate Foldscopes into your daily life. How can you support accessibility and equity in science education with Foldscopes? Reach out to ask any questions you may have about bringing Foldscope to your community!
Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!
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