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May 22, 2026 • 7:38 AM UTC
India
340x Magnification
Plants
Dhruv
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On the third day of LGP at Ashoka University, we continued exploring the microcosm using the Foldscope and observed different samples from flowers and plants. Each observation looked completely unique and made the session really exciting.
Hibiscus Pollen
We collected hibiscus pollen using a small piece of tape by gently tapping the flower 2–3 times. It was important not to press too hard, otherwise the entire pollen sac would come out and the grains would be too crowded to observe properly.
Under the Foldscope, the pollen grains were bright yellow, round, and covered with tiny spikes. Some grains were grouped together while others were separate. I think the spikes help the pollen attach to insects for pollination.
Sunflower Pollen
For sunflower pollen, we again used the tape method and brushed it near the middle of the flower. At first it was difficult to locate the pollen, but after scanning the slide carefully, I noticed tiny yellow spots.
When focused properly, the pollen appeared mostly transparent with yellow around it. The grains had mixed shapes and were smaller than hibiscus pollen.
Sunflower Hair
While collecting pollen, we also noticed tiny hairs on the sunflower and decided to observe them too. Using the same tape method, we mounted a sample and searched the slide for thin strands.
The hair appeared transparent and fiber-like under the Foldscope. However, alongside it I also noticed a small blue microplastic particle. Although the observation itself was fascinating, seeing microplastic even at this microscopic level was disappointing and reminded me how much humans have polluted nature.
Overall, the class was extremely enjoyable and taught us new ways of preparing slides and observing microscopic structures around us.
Hibiscus Pollen
We collected hibiscus pollen using a small piece of tape by gently tapping the flower 2–3 times. It was important not to press too hard, otherwise the entire pollen sac would come out and the grains would be too crowded to observe properly.
Under the Foldscope, the pollen grains were bright yellow, round, and covered with tiny spikes. Some grains were grouped together while others were separate. I think the spikes help the pollen attach to insects for pollination.
Sunflower Pollen
For sunflower pollen, we again used the tape method and brushed it near the middle of the flower. At first it was difficult to locate the pollen, but after scanning the slide carefully, I noticed tiny yellow spots.
When focused properly, the pollen appeared mostly transparent with yellow around it. The grains had mixed shapes and were smaller than hibiscus pollen.
Sunflower Hair
While collecting pollen, we also noticed tiny hairs on the sunflower and decided to observe them too. Using the same tape method, we mounted a sample and searched the slide for thin strands.
The hair appeared transparent and fiber-like under the Foldscope. However, alongside it I also noticed a small blue microplastic particle. Although the observation itself was fascinating, seeing microplastic even at this microscopic level was disappointing and reminded me how much humans have polluted nature.
Overall, the class was extremely enjoyable and taught us new ways of preparing slides and observing microscopic structures around us.
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