Department of Environmental Science, University of Calcutta, organised a one day workshop on Foldscope, at Railway Higher Secondary School, Alipurduar, West Bengal, India, on 8th May 2019, in collaboration with Jagadis Bose National Science Talent Search.

Introductory Session-

The workshop started with a basic introduction to the microscopic world and microscope to the participants, after this, we introduced the Foldscope to them. A microscope which can be assembled from a single sheet of paper.

Demonstration Session-

After the introductory session, at first foldscope handling was demonstrated, followed by a demonstration of prepared permanent slides of algae, fungi, fern, pteridophyte, gymnosperm, angiosperm etc.

Slide preparation session-

In this session, a quick, temporary slide preparation method for Rhoeo leaf stomata, was demonstrated to all the students and they were divided into groups and each group separately prepared their slide and observed under foldscope.

Observation session-

The temporary slides prepared by the participants were observed under foldscope and leaf stomata, as well as leaf tissue, were observed by students under foldscope.

Conclusion-

It was their first exposure to foldscope and they were very much interested in foldscope. The workshop was a success.