Children Microscopists of the Brazos Valley

Malea Murphy PhD
2022 Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences Alumni
Microscopy Core Manager, Integrated Microscopy and Imaging Laboratory, Texas A&M University School of Medicine

Goals and objectives of the project

The overall goal of this project was to spark a love of microscopy in children who might not have had the chance to experience science in their daily lives. The MBL ROC Award provided funding for foldscopes and sample collecting kits for the Boys and Girls Club of Brazos Valley. Dr. Malea Murphy, manager of a microscopy core facility, recruited graduate students and microscopy core users to volunteer. They volunteered their time to help children assemble the foldscopes, depending on age, and teach some of the concepts of light and optics learned at the MBL. They examined some prepared samples, but more importantly, the children were encouraged to create their own samples and ask the questions that interested them most. The foldscopes are theirs to keep so they can continue to ask questions and have a tool to answer them.

Background

Microscopes allow us to see the world in a way that is not possible with our naked eyes. This can ignite curiosity and imagination, making microscopes the perfect tool to inspire underrepresented children in science. When kids are able to use a microscope to see things that they've never seen before, it can boost their self-confidence and help them feel more capable. This can help them develop a passion for science and technology, and it can inspire them to pursue careers in these fields. Microscopes can help kids learn about the world around them, develop critical thinking skills, build confidence in their abilities, and feel more connected to science and technology. They are a valuable tool for underrepresented kids, and they can help inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.

The foldscope was developed by Manu Prakash, a lecturer for the 2022 Optical Microscopy and Imaging in the Biomedical Sciences (OMIBS) course, to be a cheap, portable but also powerful microscope that children can use to explore their world. The foldscope combines simple optics and paper to create a microscope that is easy to use and to carry in a pocket but also It provides 140x magnification, making it a powerful tool for exploring the microscopic world. As Manu Prakash says, a key goal of Foldscopes is to impart a sense of agency. “Like a pencil, anyone can pick it up and use it, even if they do not know how to write.”

Major activities, significant results and outcomes

After returning from the OMIBS course, I wanted to share my renewed excitement for microscopy with both the users of my microscopy facility and the community.

Funding from the MBL ROC allowed me to purchase foldscopes and sample collecting kits. I asked my facility users, whom I had taught microscopy concepts and skills, if they would be willing to share some of their knowledge and time with local children. I was thrilled that I had 11 eager graduate student volunteers not just willing, but enthusiastic to get involved.

I partnered with the local Boys and Girls club of Brazos Valley to schedule times when we could come to the club. Volunteers helped guide the children in folding the foldscopes and showing them how to find focus using prepared slides. The volunteers encouraged the children to create their own samples. We helped the children prepare slides of their own cheek cells stained with methylene blue (MB). We also showed the children how to prepare samples from things found all around them in their everyday life. The volunteers showed the children the unexpected complexity of a house fly wing and looked at the differences between animal and human hair.

We were able to provide 76 children with foldscopes, and the volunteers were so enthusiastic about sharing their knowledge. The children were amazed by the things they could see with the foldscope. The volunteers were happy to be able to inspire the next generation of scientists, and we hope that the children will continue to explore the world around them as the foldscopes are theirs to keep.

Funding from the MBL ROC program provided enough foldscopes to continue this program in the future, and we hope to reach even more children. We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to learn about science, and we are committed to making it happen.