PROJECT "FOLDSCOPES: FROM SOUTHBOROUGH TO ECUADOR" ​

At FUCOBI, we understand that academic success is just one element of education. That’s why we want to help rural schools in Ecuador to have experiences that go beyond the classroom, allowing them to develop key research skills, environmental understanding and climate change awareness. Our project not only aims to enhance science education but break the barrier preventing science exploration in Ecuadorian communities as a result of a fundamental science accessibility problem 
"Foldscopes: From Southborough to Ecuador" is part of FUCOBI's Project 'ChildrenENCODE - Shrimp Scampi: A Citizens Science Project', one of three projects of the program 'UNA SALUD / ONE HEALTH Epigenomics & Microbiomes:Somos lo que comemos / We are what we eat.'

Foldscopes are ideal for applications in global health and field-based citizen science, so this project will allow the students to learn about soil microbes, bacteria, parasites, cells, single-celled organisms, insects, microplastics, contaminants in water and soils, tissues, and more.

The aim is to solve the problem of accessibility to scientific equipment in the communities of Ecuador and take science out of the lab and into parts of the world where traditional tools are not viable, and thus help children and adolescents in communities to get closer to science and stimulate their scientific curiosity, so that they are active participants in the creation of knowledge, and are prepared to face the challenges in global health.
​Contact us  at [email protected] if you would like to participate in the Foldscopes project 

​Portovelo Community-Manabí

A paper microscope is making microscopy available to children in coastal communities in Ecuador. Our team travelled to the community of Portovelo where they delivered 100 Foldscopes donated by the Rotary Club of Southborough, Massachusetts, USA. Students and Teachers from 9 of the Chone River estuary had a wonderful time learning about the Microcosmo. ​

​Horconcito and Salinas Communities-Manabí

​Almost 100 Foldscopes were distributed to schools and a workshop of young environmentalists located in the Chone River estuary, Manabí!. Foldscopes provide an opportunity for children to experience the microcosm up close, and students from schools in the Chone sector and UE de Salinas were fascinated by this new tool for their natural science class and biology class.

​Arajuno and Shiwakucha Communities-Pastaza

​The first 22 Foldscopes were distributed in 3 schools of the Pastaza province located in Ecuador's Amazon region. Our team taught teachers and students how to use Foldscopes in biology and science classes.  The teachers expressed their gratitude and enthusiasm for being able to have this new classroom tool since they currently do not have a science laboratory