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"Learning on a chip:" Microfluidics for formal and informal science education
Darius G Rackus1, Ingmar H Riedel-Kruse, Nicole Pamme2
1Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, Mattenstrasse 26, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Biomicrofluidics
|August 22, 2019
Summary
Microfluidics, the science of handling tiny liquid volumes, offers exciting educational potential across all levels. This review explores methods to make microfluidics accessible for learning and public engagement.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Engineering
- Science Education
Background:
- Microfluidics involves manipulating picoliter to nanoliter liquid volumes, impacting miniaturized biomedical science and research.
- Its interdisciplinary nature (biology, chemistry, physics, engineering) makes it ideal for diverse educational applications.
- Microfluidics can engage the public in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) through hands-on learning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review approaches for making microfluidics accessible in formal and informal learning settings.
- To identify future directions and necessary developments in microfluidics education.
- To bridge the gap between microfluidics research and educational implementation.
Main Methods:
- Overview of existing educational strategies for microfluidics.
- Categorization of approaches: device construction vs. phenomenon exploration.
- Emphasis on low-cost, scalable experiments.
Main Results:
- Various methods exist to teach microfluidics, focusing on either device fabrication or exploring microscopic phenomena.
- Microfluidics enables cost-effective and scalable experiments for wider accessibility.
- Successful translation of lab research into educational contexts is achievable.
Conclusions:
- Microfluidics holds significant potential for enriching STEM education and public outreach.
- Further development is needed to enhance accessibility and pedagogical integration.
- This review serves as a guide for researchers and educators to translate microfluidics research into learning environments.