EnLightenment: High resolution smartphone microscopy as an educational and public engagement platform

Wellcome Open Research

article

Laura C. Wicks¹  Gemma S. Cairns²  Jacob Melnyk²  Scott Bryce⁴  Rory R. Duncan²  Paul A. Dalgarno² 

[1] HW Engage, Heriot-Watt University;Institute of Biological Chemistry, Biophysics and Bioengineering, Scottish Universities Physics Alliance ,(SUPA), Heriot-Watt University;Centre for Doctoral Training in Medical Devices and Health Technologies, Technology and Innovation Centre, University of Strathclyde;West Calder High School;Scottish Schools Educational Research Centre

关键词: Microscopy;    Imaging;    Smartphone;    Public Engagement;    Education;    Resolution;    Cell;   

DOI  :  10.12688/wellcomeopenres.12841.2

学科分类：内科医学

来源: Wellcome

【 摘 要 】

We developed a simple, cost-effective smartphone microscopy platform for use in educational and public engagement programs. We demonstrated its effectiveness, and potential for citizen science through a national imaging initiative,EnLightenment. The cost effectiveness of the instrument allowed for the program to deliver over 500 microscopes to more than 100 secondary schools throughout Scotland, targeting 1000’s of 12-14 year olds. Through careful, quantified, selection of a high power, low-cost objective lens, our smartphone microscope has an imaging resolution of microns, with a working distance of 3 mm. It is therefore capable of imaging single cells and sub-cellular features, and retains usability for young children. The microscopes were designed in kit form and provided an interdisciplinary educational tool. By providing full lesson plans and support material, we developed a framework to explore optical design, microscope performance, engineering challenges on construction and real-world applications in life sciences, biological imaging, marine biology, art, and technology. A national online imaging competition framedEnLightenment; with over 500 high quality images submitted of diverse content, spanning multiple disciplines. With examples of cellular and sub-cellular features clearly identifiable in some submissions, we show how young public can use these instruments for research-level imaging applications, and the potential of the instrument for citizen science programs.

【 授权许可】

CC BY