A DETAILED STUDY ON FOLDSCOPE Foldscope is an optical microscope that can be assembled from simple components, including a sheet of paper and a lens.

1. FOLDSCOPE REPORT
Scope of the Report:
1. What is Foldscope?
2. Orientation Given on Foldscope
3. Uses of Foldscope
4. Challenges Faced
5. Views
BRIEF OVERVIEW:
1. WHAT IS FOLDSCOPE?
A Foldscope is an optical microscope that can be assembled from simple components,
including a sheet of paper and a lens. It was developed by Manu Prakash and designed to cost
less than US$1 to build. It is a cheap and easy tool available for scientific use in the
developing world. The Foldscope weighs 8 grams and comes in a kit with multiple lenses
that provide magnification from 140X to 2,000X.
2. Orientation given on Foldscope-
Orientation on Foldscope was given by Avinash Madhale Sir and Sanskruti Marathe Ma’am.
In that we have been told about how foldscope can be used in place of a Microscope. It is
easily Portable and affordable. We have been told the basic use of Foldscope and how to
assemble it and its proper testing.

2. 3. Uses of Foldscope-
 Foldscope is an effective tool that can be used in place of an Optical Microscope.
 It can be used as a teaching tool for students in biology, chemistry and physics.
 It is used for testing of samples.
 It is used for findings about microorganisms.
4. Challenges Faced-
 It is very difficult for the first timer to assemble it
 The magnet couplers repelled each other. We have to pop out the magnet, flip it
over, and reinstall.
 The cut slit is too small for the slide and it can easily slash apart.
 Adhesive, dirt and fingerprints if are there are on the lens, then it is very difficult
to view the samples.
 Regular cleaning of lens is required for good vision.
 Sample’s adjustment is difficult since no proper holding is present.
 Liquid samples spilled from the sample slide at the time of testing.
 How to fix the lenses and what would be correct side of lenses to fix was not
clearly mentioned
5. Views-
POSITIVE VIEWS:
 It is very affordable. Classroom kits are designed very well and easy to carry.
 It can be used in manifold areas. We can easily use it at our homes also. Any
person, children or adult can use it. So this can be most suitable equipment for
those school students who are interested in science and they can watch science
in different perspective and can satisfy their curiosity
 If assembled properly, it is the best alternative to an optical Microscope.
 No proper guidance is required while using it.
 Eco-friendly due to its paper-based components.
 Comprehensive kit with all accessories included.
 Easy to assemble and use because step by step instructions are given on the
instruction paper, which is available in kit of Foldscope
 Good magnification for educational purposes.

3.  Ability to observe both through eyes and with a phone camera.
NEGATIVE VIEWS:
 Parts of foldscope are very delicate. If a particular part lost or destroyed, we’ll not
be able to assemble it.
 Magnets couplers were very difficult to assemble as every time they repelled each
other.
 Sample slide was difficult to insert.
 Lens given is not powerful enough.
 Slides given in the kit is very less it is for one time use only.
 Not sure how long it will last when using several glass slides over a long period of
time.
DEEPIKA TOLWANI