The DIY microscope that even our children can build. Made of Lego bricks and smartphone parts

Researchers have created a DIY microscope to bring children closer to science, made of Lego bricks and smartphone lenses

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LEGO® bricks and cheap parts of mobile phones, here are the materials used by researchers from the universities of Göttingen and Münster to create an innovative high resolution microscope, also suitable for non-experts and especially for children. Much like a modern research microscope but definitely cheaper and therefore within the reach of schools and families.

The microscope involves the use, as we said, of Lego bricks and smartphone lenses incorporated into the structure, useful for making enlargements. The great thing is that we can all try to build it thanks to the instructions posted on GitHub which describe in detail the various steps and all the necessary materials.

Researchers realized it for to bring children, and not only, to science, involving them also in the construction phase. Goal achieved! The children between the ages of 9 and 13 involved in the experiment demonstrated a greater understanding of microscopy after work. As noted through specific questionnaires. 

Professor Timo Betz from the University of Göttingen said:

“Understanding science is central to decision making and brings many benefits to everyday life, such as problem solving and creativity. However, we find that many people, even politicians, feel excluded or do not have the opportunity to engage in scientific or critical thinking. We wanted to find a way to cultivate natural curiosity, help people grasp the fundamentals and see the potential of science. "

The researchers noticed, as they continued to monitor the children, that as they became familiar with the tool, they made their own adaptations by exploring more and more functions. Proof that science can be fun for them too. 

The hope now is that this microscope will be introduced in classrooms and homes around the world to inspire children and bring them closer to the world of science, as Betz said, proving that it is an enlightening, educational and fun discipline. 

SOURCE: The Biophysicist/GitHub

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