The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities
This article explores the possibilities of a cheap one-dollar microscope, the Foldscope, for enhancing out-of-school science education. Developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University, these origami-type paper microscopes make it possible to provide all students with their own m...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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OpenED Network
2023-08-01
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| Series: | Research in Social Sciences and Technology |
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| Online Access: | https://ressat.org/index.php/ressat/article/view/671 |
| _version_ | 1797744182784163840 |
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| author | Jannie Pretorius Josef de Beer Cherine Jackson |
| author_facet | Jannie Pretorius Josef de Beer Cherine Jackson |
| author_sort | Jannie Pretorius |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description |
This article explores the possibilities of a cheap one-dollar microscope, the Foldscope, for enhancing out-of-school science education. Developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University, these origami-type paper microscopes make it possible to provide all students with their own microscopes, due to the low cost. This provides students the opportunity to engage in science outside of the classroom, as amateur sleuths engaged in environmental inquiries, e.g., determining the levels of pollution of local water resources. In this article the authors share two sets of research data: an activity where school students engaged in authentic problem-based learning using the Foldscopes, as well as student teachers’ experiences of engaging with Foldscope microscopes. The outcomes of the first research project indicate that affective outcomes and cognitive gains were achieved. Responses in the second research project included five categories: preparation and presentation; potential of the Foldscope; use of slideshow; energy/complements; and limitations. The conclusion reached was that Foldscopes hold possibilities for enhancing STS (science-technology-society) approaches inside and outside the classroom. One recommendation is that such frugal-science approaches are emphasized more in both pre-and in-service teacher education.
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| first_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:06:04Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-266f431398114e76902ab11f179491a5 |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2468-6891 |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-12T15:06:04Z |
| publishDate | 2023-08-01 |
| publisher | OpenED Network |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Research in Social Sciences and Technology |
| spelling | doaj.art-266f431398114e76902ab11f179491a52023-08-12T13:55:10ZengOpenED NetworkResearch in Social Sciences and Technology2468-68912023-08-018310.46303/ressat.2023.17The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science ActivitiesJannie Pretorius0Josef de Beer1Cherine Jackson2University of the Free StateScience Learning Centre for Africa, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa.School of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education/ Research Focus Area Self-Directed Learning North-West University Potchefstroom South Africa This article explores the possibilities of a cheap one-dollar microscope, the Foldscope, for enhancing out-of-school science education. Developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University, these origami-type paper microscopes make it possible to provide all students with their own microscopes, due to the low cost. This provides students the opportunity to engage in science outside of the classroom, as amateur sleuths engaged in environmental inquiries, e.g., determining the levels of pollution of local water resources. In this article the authors share two sets of research data: an activity where school students engaged in authentic problem-based learning using the Foldscopes, as well as student teachers’ experiences of engaging with Foldscope microscopes. The outcomes of the first research project indicate that affective outcomes and cognitive gains were achieved. Responses in the second research project included five categories: preparation and presentation; potential of the Foldscope; use of slideshow; energy/complements; and limitations. The conclusion reached was that Foldscopes hold possibilities for enhancing STS (science-technology-society) approaches inside and outside the classroom. One recommendation is that such frugal-science approaches are emphasized more in both pre-and in-service teacher education. https://ressat.org/index.php/ressat/article/view/671Foldscope microscopescientific sleuthsenvironmental investigationsfrugal sciencescience-technology-society approaches |
| spellingShingle | Jannie Pretorius Josef de Beer Cherine Jackson The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities Research in Social Sciences and Technology Foldscope microscope scientific sleuths environmental investigations frugal science science-technology-society approaches |
| title | The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities |
| title_full | The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities |
| title_fullStr | The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities |
| title_full_unstemmed | The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities |
| title_short | The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities |
| title_sort | possible uses of foldscopes as a form of frugal science in the biology classroom as well as in out of school science activities |
| topic | Foldscope microscope scientific sleuths environmental investigations frugal science science-technology-society approaches |
| url | https://ressat.org/index.php/ressat/article/view/671 |
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