Foldscope activity challenge Day 4

Mar 18, 2022 • 2:57 PM UTC

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140x Magnification

Microorganisms

Mohamad

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Feb 12th, 15:00/ Full of excitement, I tried to make it to the appointment with group of kids who I met on (day-2) to meet up again for extended workshop. I was 5 minutes late, then after waiting around 20 more minutes it was unexpected no one showing up because I thought they will be there waiting before me.
Obviously, I had moments of feeling low before I head on to find new ones. Also previous day’s story had impact on me so I did not have much energy to do it again on the street. As I was walking I had doubts and questioning myself why I am doing all this and for what? when it’s unnoticed and not backed up by any means even morally!
The only drive for me -after I prayed afternoon prayer (Asr)- was to do it for sake of Allah, see the smiles of kids and potential future in case if one kid be inspired, I would say I did something at least and gave back to community.
Thankfully, I gathered up myself and started my tour with some positivity. This time I was looking for kids playing near their homes so I ask them to call their parents to get permission first then do the activity to avoid any misunderstanding.
About the activity.
New group of kids were from different city visiting their auntie. They were so happy to be part of the activity during their visit to my city “Kirkuk” but also upset because they have not seen something like this happening in their city “Baqubah” which made them think this activity is some causal norm in my city and happens all the time the city. So I had to explain the reality which is not a norm yet and instead of feeling upset they can do similar thing when they go back home.

Iraq Map The two siblings (girl and boy) showed so much excitement and were very interested to have one so I decided to give away the first Foldscope ever in street to go travel and reach new community hopefully.
Enjoy the pictures.

Siblings from different city

Inserting slide that has her hair.

Taking picture of her hair under Foldscope also she took it to show it to her family

Sampling Mud water

Group gather Group gather. some of them who I supposed to meet earlier that day, they found me later and joined us 🙂
Activity Review & Lessons
Couldn’t establish proper communication channel with the kids that I gave away Foldscope, I mean I lost contact with them after connecting over facebook. I should look for alternative ways to keep in touch next time. Struggling with wet samples. Sometimes the microorganisms are not seen in the sample! I have no idea why lol. So for next time I decided to make kids have ultimate wow moments by preparing in advance a rich source. Repeat the objectives of the activity during the discussion and connect them to the topic. Let them conclude what they learned and observed. Previous day Main Challenge Page Next day