*This is a collaborative project composed by Mario Barrozo, Gabriel Smith, and Ben Tuttle*  
 
In scientific investigation, sometimes we are required to use materials that supplement our observational capabilities. For this project, the Foldscope is one such material as it allows us to view objects at a level beyond what we can see with just our eyes. However, in order to maximize the potential of scientific materials, sometimes investigation in trial and error is required. This was our collective experience with the Foldscope.  

A small group of Hicks Honors College students taking the IDH 3930 seminar course Popular Writings in Science led by the efforts of Dr. Denise Monti who specializes in the disciplines of ecology, evolution, and microbiology began looking into various aspects regarding Foldscopes after having a discussion on the democratization of science regardless of socioeconomic factors.


Pictured: UNF Hicks Honors College Banner

This led us to view Manu Prakash’s TED Talk Paper Instruments that Bring Science to Everyone and in turn led us to inquire about the nuances and aspects of utilizing this piece of equipment. Students in the class would ultimately venture out to work on projects and themes of their choosing, documenting their findings and experiences along the way with complete autonomy over their lesson plans for the second half of the semester. 

This post contains one of the groups' experiences utilizing the foldscopes, opting to conduct their project in a nearby environment. 

Located at the University of North Florida, Eco Adventure and its nature trails are situated on the Sawmill Slough Preserve. The main area of focus for our scientific investigation was primarily on and around the island located on Lake Oneida. 


Pictured: Ecoadventure, Lake Oneida

With few items that we could specifically utilize given the instrument’s fragile nature we looked for samples that we had deemed useable with these microscopes from a widely distributed tree on the preserve, the shortleaf pine tree. We had collected a patch of lichen that had detached from the tree as well as a catkin cone that had fallen from it. 
 
The sample must be the right distance away from the lens, with the proper light, and not too big. We found that thin, translucent samples work best. We also found that if you apply pressure to the sample so that it is closer to the lens you get a better image when observing. Attaching the Foldscope to our phones also took some trial and error. The stickers that allow you to attach the Foldscope to your camera are not the best, but we saw that if you hold the Foldscope and press down onto your camera, it works good enough to take decent pictures. When we were out at Eco Adventure, we chose samples that would be easy to see. 


Pictured: Catkin (pine cone) from a shortleaf pine tree


Pictured: Catkin under the foldscope


Pictured: Lichen from a shortleaf pine tree


Pictured: Lichen under the foldscope

Experience: Our overall experience was very positive. We were able to go out into nature, collect samples, and capture what we saw by attaching our Foldscopes to our phones. However, this was not without some difficulties. Issues included having trouble attaching the Foldscope to the phone, properly aligning the sample under the lens, getting the right light, and obtaining usable samples. Despite all of this, we were able to overcome these challenges and get some great pictures of our collected samples through some trial and error. 


Pictured: Ben Tuttle utilizing the foldscope at Ecoadventure

Recommendations:   

• Take great care to follow the assembly instructions 
• Discard the focus ramp 
• Use thin and/or translucent samples 
• Push down on slide when viewing sample 
• Take time to experiment with the Foldscope to see what works best 
• Use a phone and attach the Foldscope to the camera to capture what you see 

Conclusion: At the end of the day, we concluded that the Foldscope has the potential to be a great and affordable resource for those who do not have the means of obtaining expensive microscopes. There is a learning curve that comes along with building and using the Foldscope, but it can be overcome with patience and trial and error. The quality of the images obtained varied greatly, but there are definitely times where the photos turn out well.