The activity below was contributed by Dr. Aayushi Uberoi during our podcast interview.
Have you ever wondered about the hidden world teeming with life all around you? Microscopic organisms, too small to see with the naked eye, play a crucial role in our world and even on and in our own bodies! Traditionally, exploring this fascinating world required expensive and bulky microscopes. But today, we’ll embark on a different kind of adventure — one that’s affordable and accessible!
Meet the Foldscope: an ingenious invention made primarily from paper, developed at Stanford University. This portable and user-friendly microscope allows you to peek into the unseen realm of microorganisms, revealing the hidden wonders that exist right at your fingertips.
In this hands-on activity, we’ll transform into citizen scientists, using our Foldscopes to observe vibrant microbial communities found in everyday items like yogurt, kombucha, and even a glimpse of the diverse world inhabiting our own skin! So, get ready to unfold the mysteries of the microscopic world and discover the hidden life that thrives all around you!
Materials
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- Foldscope microscope kit
- Yogurt
- Kombucha
- Clear Adhesive tape
- Blackhead removal strips (optional)
Instructions
- Assemble the Foldscope according to the instructions provided in the kit.
- Take a small sample of yogurt using a clean spoon and place it on a microscope slide according to Foldscope instructions.
- Similarly, place a drop of kombucha on another slide according to Foldscope instructions.
- For skin observation, gently press a piece of clear adhesive tape onto the skin surface, then carefully peel it off and attach it to a glass slide according to Foldscope instructions.
- If using blackhead removal strips, apply them to the designated areas of the skin and carefully remove them, collecting the residue on the strip. Press residue onto microscope slide.
- Follow Foldscope instructions to view samples.
- Observe the samples, noting their shapes and sizes.
- Use your smartphone to capture images or videos of the microscopic specimens.
- Compare the microbial diversity between different samples, such as yogurt versus kombucha or skin from different areas of the body.
- Discuss any observations and relate them to the concepts of fermentation, microbial ecology, and personal microbiome.
- Dispose of any used slides.
Through this simple yet insightful activity, we’ve delved into the microbial world using accessible tools like the Foldscope. From observing the diverse microbial populations in yogurt and kombucha to exploring the microbiota residing on our skin, we’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the unseen life forms that surround us. This activity not only fosters curiosity but also encourages scientific inquiry and understanding of microbiology concepts in a hands-on manner.
Looking for a microscope guide for beginners?
My Quick Start Guide to Using the Microscope will get you up and running fast. Plus, you’ll learn while doing — the guide provides 3 fun activities that teach you step-by-step how to use your microscope and get the best image while looking at microbes! Get your copy today!
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