A little fun in Nyakabwera, Tanzania
Jul 09, 2025 • 9:07 PM UTC
Tanzania
140x Magnification
Insects and Arachnids
Pranav
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It’s amazing how Foldscope can so easilt break language and cultural barriers, and instantly spark curiosity in children and adults alike!
During a recent field visit in Kagera, Tanzania, I started assembling a Foldscope in front of a few kids from the village. This quickly got their attention, and within seconds also their involvement - we started searching for samples. I gestured that we should search for something small - maybe an insect? The kids scattered and started searching and digging, and came back with insects like beetles and termites. I suggested finding something smaller - so we took a small ant as our first sample.
The kids, and their equally-curious teachers, were amazed to observe different parts of the ant under the Foldscope, while it was still alive and moving. This short interaction, without much verbal communication, formed a connection between us all, one of shared curiosity and wonder. Only a few tools seem to be able to do that instantly.
When Manu first introduced me to Foldscope, he challenged me to share it with someone who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to do so. I gladly accepted the challenge and have since tried to share the joy of peeking into the microcosmos with some. Now, I challenge (or hope) you do the same!
- Pranav
During a recent field visit in Kagera, Tanzania, I started assembling a Foldscope in front of a few kids from the village. This quickly got their attention, and within seconds also their involvement - we started searching for samples. I gestured that we should search for something small - maybe an insect? The kids scattered and started searching and digging, and came back with insects like beetles and termites. I suggested finding something smaller - so we took a small ant as our first sample.
The kids, and their equally-curious teachers, were amazed to observe different parts of the ant under the Foldscope, while it was still alive and moving. This short interaction, without much verbal communication, formed a connection between us all, one of shared curiosity and wonder. Only a few tools seem to be able to do that instantly.
When Manu first introduced me to Foldscope, he challenged me to share it with someone who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance to do so. I gladly accepted the challenge and have since tried to share the joy of peeking into the microcosmos with some. Now, I challenge (or hope) you do the same!
- Pranav
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