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Igniting children's enthusiasm for microbes with an origami paper microscope
Joshua Gardner1, Cynthia Perry1, Jorge Cervantes2
1Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, El Paso, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the urgent need for microbiology literacy in society. Microbiology knowledge, and its dissemination, can help inform and increase the objectivity of important decisions, such as treatment or vaccination. A microbiology learning experience titled "What you can't see can hurt you" was delivered as part of a larger outreach event where children were exposed to various aspects of medicine and health care fields. The activity involved an introduction to and a discussion of bacteria of clinical importance and the use of a smartphone-attachable paper-based foldable microscope. To explore the impact of this activity on participants' interest in science and microbiology, a pre- and post-activity survey of five questions on an emoji-based Likert scale was completed by the participants. A statistically significant increase in their interest in microbes and where to find them, as well as in microscopy, was observed after the event. Making microbes visible to children and allowing them to capture images of microbes exposes them directly and personally to microscopy and microbiology. An affordable low-cost paper-based microscope can become an alternative approach to teaching and learning to deliver clinical microbiology information to a wide audience range.
Insights
This study highlights how a hands-on activity using a paper microscope significantly boosted children's interest in microbiology and science. Making microbes visible enhances engagement with scientific concepts.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology Education
- Science Outreach
- Public Health Literacy
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need for public microbiology literacy.
- Informed decisions regarding health treatments and vaccinations rely on scientific understanding.
- Effective science communication is crucial for societal well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the impact of a "What you can't see can hurt you" activity on children's interest in science and microbiology.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of a low-cost paper microscope in science education.
- To promote microbiology literacy through interactive learning experiences.
Main Methods:
- An interactive learning activity was conducted as part of a larger health outreach event for children.
- Participants were introduced to clinically important bacteria and used a smartphone-attachable paper microscope.
- Pre- and post-activity surveys with emoji-based Likert scales measured changes in interest.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant increase in participants' interest in microbes and microscopy was observed post-activity.
- Children showed heightened interest in the location of microbes and the field of microscopy.
- The activity successfully made microscopic organisms and the process of microscopy personally accessible.
Conclusions:
- Interactive, hands-on experiences with tools like paper microscopes can effectively increase children's interest in microbiology.
- Affordable, accessible technology can be a valuable tool for delivering clinical microbiology education to diverse audiences.
- Enhancing microbiology literacy through engaging outreach programs is vital for public health.
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