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EnLightenment: High resolution smartphone microscopy as an educational and public engagement platform
Laura C Wicks1, Gemma S Cairns2, Jacob Melnyk2,3
1HW Engage, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK.
Wellcome Open Research
|April 7, 2018
Summary
A low-cost smartphone microscope platform was developed for education and citizen science. This initiative successfully equipped schools, enabling students to perform research-level imaging and contribute to scientific discovery.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Optical Engineering
- Science Education
Background:
- Smartphone microscopy offers a cost-effective alternative to traditional microscopes.
- Educational programs require accessible tools for engaging students in scientific exploration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a simple, cost-effective smartphone microscopy platform for educational and public engagement.
- To assess the platform's potential for citizen science initiatives.
Main Methods:
- Designed a kit-form smartphone microscope with a high-power, low-cost objective lens.
- Provided interdisciplinary lesson plans and support materials for secondary schools.
- Organized a national online imaging competition (EnLightenment) for students.
Main Results:
- The smartphone microscope achieved micron-level resolution, imaging single cells and sub-cellular features.
- Over 500 microscopes were distributed to 100+ schools, engaging thousands of 12-14 year olds.
- Over 500 high-quality images were submitted to the competition, showcasing diverse applications.
Conclusions:
- The smartphone microscope is an effective, user-friendly tool for science education and public engagement.
- The platform demonstrates significant potential for citizen science, enabling research-level imaging by young students.
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