The Lodha Genius Programme (LGP) at Ashoka University, Sonipat, hosted a unique workshop in May-June 2024 that left a lasting impression on both participants and organisers. The programme brought together 9^th and 10^th graders who were away from home for over four weeks, offering them a four-day journey into the microscopic world through foldscope workshops. These workshops aimed to introduce students to topics like antimicrobial resistance, cellular diversity, and coexistence while fostering curiosity and a hands-on learning experience.

During the workshops, we encouraged students to reflect on their experiences by discussing their ​“glow” and ​“grow” points. You might be wondering what this means — it provided students with an opportunity to share the challenges they faced, such as making slides, using the Foldscope, focusing, and taking pictures, as well as the aspects they enjoyed or found rewarding.

The workshop was conducted in a classroom set up, with no specialised tools provided as part of the learning design. Students were encouraged to use their hands, fingers, and nails to prepare and tease out the samples. Cello tape was provided to seal the sample before observation. Strict caution was taken to ensure safety; no blood or biological samples were used, and participants thoroughly washed their hands well post the workshop each day.

Learning through hands-on experience

The class began with a lively hip-hop inspired ​“chirpy birdy” dance to shake off any post-lunch fatigue that they might have had. The workshop then introduced a new portable and accessible microscope — the Foldscope 2.0 — developed by Manu Prakash. This hands-on experience with the Foldscope provided participants with an invaluable opportunity to independently explore the microscopic world. 

Although some students struggled initially, they gradually improved with practice. Several scholars admitted that sitting through a three-hour session was difficult, particularly for those whose primary interests lay in other subjects like mathematics. When the students mounted an onion peel under the microscope, their reaction were nothing short of magical. The discovery elicited ​‘eureka’ moments and excited exclamations of wonder. This process of learning to operate a microscope and work with samples cultivated a newfound love for exploration among many participants.

On Day 2, students explored a murder mystery where the scholars engaged in a lively discussions about what evidence to collect and how to analyse these. Amid the controlled chaos, they engaged themselves in making slides, cleaning and washing them, mounting the evidence, and — voilà! — successfully differentiating between a facial hair, eyebrow hair, and crown hair samples. 

It was nothing short of a class full of detectives, asking permission from a neighbor to take a sample of their T shirt/​Jeans fabric on a piece of cello-tape. Taking fingerprints and observing debris, dead cells and yes most importantly coming back to the team to tell them that this is an air bubble, that is a water droplet/​an artifact. In all the ability to identify cells and observe the difference between them was empowering. They were asked to report their observations and they drew them mighty well not emphasising on the aesthetic part but the need for record keeping during an observation.

Fostering independence and team work

Working at classroom desks, students used their tools, and we actively emphasised maintaining a clean workspace. The workshop served as a gateway to the microcosm for many; we dedicated a session to assisting them in posting their observations online and maintaining detailed records. Mentors and instructors provided valuable guidance. Students appreciated the independence and practical learning approach.

The opportunity to identify sample shapes and structures, and to view everyday objects microscopically, proved eye-opening. Students valued the friendly and supportive teaching assistants, who helped build their confidence and resilience. We emphasised teamwork, encouraging students to respect and trust their partners’ ideas. Seniors taught the importance of patience for achieving good results.

Patience and problem-solving in science

A key lesson from the workshop was the importance of patience. Waiting for and persevering with the slides taught participants that, like Rome, good results aren’t achieved overnight. The team presentations were also beneficial, fostering partnerships and collaboration. The workshop’s practical approach encouraged interaction and independence; participants analysed problems and found solutions before seeking help. This facilitated a deeper understanding of concepts, offering a new perspective on biology and microbiology.

The experience of examining microscopic structures and samples was invaluable. Remarkably, the classroom was left as clean as they found it, promising well for the next day’s activities. The freedom to explore and learn independently was highly appreciated. Participants learned about the presence and nature of bacteria, discovering that not all bacteria are harmful. The most valuable aspect of the workshop was undoubtedly the use of foldscopes and the exploration of various specimens. The freedom and flexibility to experiment enhanced learning and fostered curiosity about the microscopic world. 

Hands-on learning and experimentation were crucial, improving participants’ skills and dispelling any anxieties about lab work.

Key takeaways and reflections

The workshop provided participants with valuable takeaways and reflections, highlighting both the freedom to explore and the structured mentorship that enhanced the learning experience. One participant shared their appreciation for the autonomy they had while using foldscopes, allowing them to experiment with various samples, delve into their unique perspectives, and share their experiences creatively. 

This flexibility not only fostered a deeper understanding of how to use and operate the foldscope but also made the learning process engaging and enjoyable. Another participant mentioned the importance of the foldscope kit and the mentorship they received, describing the practical sessions as both fun and educational. The support and availability of the teaching assistants were also noted as instrumental in their learning journey. 

The participants reflected on key lessons, such as the importance of cleaning equipment promptly to prevent contamination, the patience required to examine specimens, and the meticulous adjustments needed to achieve the perfect angle, light, and focus for observation.