By CASEY NEILL
KEYSBOROUGH students are the only Aussies taking part in an origami microscope study.
Teacher Kean Lau applied to take part in the Foldscope project run by Stanford University, USA.
“It’s the world’s smallest microscope, made by folding origami-style plasticised paper,” he said.
“The estimated cost is less than a dollar and being so portable, it will revolutionise public health especially in rural and poor countries.”
Mr Lau has enlisted 20 of his Year 7 science students to use the 12 Foldscopes he received to “research the micro-cosmos”.
The students make up the youngest group that is participating.
“The Foldscope can be taped to the iPad to record photos and videos,” he said.
“We will then upload these images onto the web and will be recognised as co-authors of the open book called A Book of Curiosities.
“We are part of a cohort from 130 countries participating.
“It really is an interest project to instil an interest in science into our youngest high school kids.
“These kids will organise an expo once they have finished over the next few months and do a show and tell for the school.
“This will also allow more students to be exposed to the science of the micro-cosmos.”
