MiA kit

Overview

Microscope in Action (MiA) offers an engaging hands-on STEM learning experience by providing access to a research-grade instrument. It is built on the pedagogical approach of active learning and brings into focus the interdisciplinary nature of science by combining concepts from both physics and biology. The MiA design invokes inquiry-based active learning, collaborative work and helps students understand how technology and research go hand-in-hand. 

In MiA workshops, students build a fluorescence microscope from its basic optical, mechanical, and electronic parts. This allows students to get up-close with each individual component and through the process of active inquiry understand its function as they connect the different parts to build a fully functioning fluorescence microscope. The self-built microscope is then put into action through ready-to-use exercises for simple sample preparation, staining, imaging and image analysis. This facilitates the exploration of biological topics and helps the students develop interdisciplinary and interconnected thinking.

Design principle
Modular- The modular structure provides flexibility allowing educators to design an MiA workshop to fit their classroom timetables with varying durations and subject linked learning goals.

Adaptable – Educators can easily adapt and customise the learning experience/goals for different learning environments, levels and to their teaching methodology and approaches.

Accessible – MiA provides varied topical access points and resources which stimulate and engage diverse learners and learning styles 

Curriculum links and more
It currently directly links to German and other national secondary school curricula in physics, biology, interdisciplinary natural sciences, and technology. It also offers complementary content for chemistry, bioinformatics and visual arts for ages 14–19+. The resource can also be adapted as a training tool for other training and educational levels- including bachelors, masters, scientists and teacher training courses.

Biology

• Microscopy: alternatives to light microscopy, optics of a (fluorescence) microscope, preparation of biological samples
• Biochemistry, Molecular and Cell Biology: working with a micropipette, preparing dilutions, autofluorescence, Green Fluorescent Protein, applications of fluorescence microscopy in biological research

Physics

• Optics: collimation, magnification
• Fluorescence

Chemistry

• Luminescence/ fluorescence: differences between types of luminescence, energy states
• Stains and chromophores

Computer science

• Data and image analysis: using image analysis software such as ImageJ/Fiji

Natural sciences & technology studies

• Linking natural science and technology

Impact on students learning  
Students who have taken part in MiA workshops show a good understanding of subject-related conceptual knowledge, marked improvement in practical and experimental skills, and development of interdisciplinary thinking and soft skills. Our assessments also indicate increased learning motivation, and high engagement and enjoyment towards the topics covered even among students with low science interest. 

REGISTER for ‘Introducing Microscope in Action’
Wish to learn more? Sign up for an upcoming regularly scheduled live online session. Currently offered in German. 

English sessions: Please send us an email to express your interest for an English session.

When

• 6 May, Freitag, 16.00 – 16.45 CET (Deutsch)
• 24 June, Freitag, 16,00- 16.45 CET (Deutsch)

Register for an upcoming session by filling the application form.

Session agenda:

• Overview of key features of Microscope in Action
• The Fluorescence Learning Microscope – virtual showcase
• Educational package- learning, teaching and supporting materials
• Lease service and agreement
• Q&A

Lease service

You can lease, free of charge, the MiA kits for your classroom. The lease service is currently offered to German educators from secondary schools, Pädagogische Hochschule (universities of education) and out-of-school learning spaces. 

Coming up – Lease service will be expanded to make the kits available to educators outside of Germany. 

Rental period: 2-6 weeks 

Overview of a standard lease package 

• Fluorescence Learning microscope (research-grade) – maximum 6 microscopes
• Access to the learning and teaching materials 
• Training session – regularly scheduled

Optionally you can include in your lease:

• Laptops- Maximum 6 laptops
• Experimental kit with materials for sample preparation – Enough for maximum of 24 participants

Lease process

1. We recommend starting the lease process as soon as possible, at least 8-12 weeks before you wish to use the kits. It is not possible to accommodate last minute requests, especially if you are a first time lessee.

2. Complete the lease application form and read the summary of the lease agreement (found below) to make sure you are able to adhere to all necessary rules. You can contact us if you have any questions or concerns about this agreement.

3. EMBL will share confirmation of your application along with the lease agreement. You will have a few weeks to go over the agreement in detail and return it to us signed (a digitally signed or scanned copy is accepted)

4. Attend a Training session: For 1st time lessees’ it is compulsory to attend a training session before you can start working with the equipment. This session can happen before or after you collect the equipment.

5. You arrange and assume the cost and responsibility for pick up and return of the equipment- By car or transport company 

Lease application form
To start the lease process please complete the application form which are available in German or English.

Mietanfrage  | Lease application form

Lease agreement
We are very happy to see how many schools are interested in our Microscope in Action project. To ensure the smooth implementation of the lease, we ask each of you to enter into an agreement with EMBL. Please have a look at the basic principles of the lease process and agreement here.

Training session
These sessions are regularly scheduled and will take place online and will help you get a deeper understanding of the Microscope in Action resource, the Fluorescence learning microscope and the lease agreement. It is a mix of individual learning and one live session. The workload is estimated to be 2 hours.

REGISTER for Training session

When

• 25 May Wednesday 16.00 – 17.00 (Deutsch)

Register for an upcoming session by filling the application form.

Live session (45 minutes) 

1. Information about the lease agreement

2. Troubleshooting and safety tips for microscope assembly 

3. Learn about the different module combinations

4. Our recommendations for how to set up a MiA workshop in your settings 

5. Get an overview of the complementary educational package

6. Q&A session 

Self-paced individual work (60-75 minutes)

We will share video guides and reading materials which will help you complete the individual work by the end if which you will be able to: 

1. Understand the basics of Fluorescence microscopy |  Learning material: Video 

2. Get familiar with the Fluorescence learning microscope |  Learning material: Video 

3. Get an overview of the complementary educational package | Handout 

4. Workshop plan: Formulate a preliminary plan for bringing MiA to your students  | Guide material: Example schedules in handbook

Buy the DIY Microscope

The fluorescence learning microscopy kit will be available for purchase through EMBLEM Technology Transfer GmbH. 

What’s included in the purchase kit?

1. The Fluorescence Learning Microscope (FLM) 

      Additional items in case:

• Prepared sample slide set with 3 slides
• Calibration grid

2. Access to the complementary and comprehensive package of learning, teaching and facilitation materials 
3. Helpdesk support

Publications/Articles

Research article

Microscope in Action: An Interdisciplinary Fluorescence Microscopy Hands-on Resource for Schools | G. Paci; E. Haas; L. Kornau; D. Marchetti; L. Wang; R. Prevedel; A. Szmolenszky | The Biophysicist, 7 October 2021 

Educational article

Colours in the dark: fluorescence microscopy for the classroom | H. Arevalagam, S. Gaikwad | Science in School, issue 58, 1 June 2022

EMBL Annual Report 2021

Feature article: “Seeing more, learning more”, 29 June 2022

EMBL news

“Microscope in Action” featured at German Science on Stage festival, EMBL Science Education and Public Engagement news, 6 September 2021

Building microscopes to learn biology, EMBL news, 10 February 2020

“Microscope in Action” goes into action, EMBL Science Education and Public Engagement news, 28 November 2019

Science in a suitcase, EMBL news, 12 March 2018

Kickstart “Von Natur bis Technik – Mikroskope in Aktion”, EMBL Science Education and Public Engagement news, 25 October 2017

FAQs

For answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), please click on the appropriate category below.