At a time when activity-based teaching is gaining prominence, a low-cost microscope made from bamboo makes learning of elementary science a fun activity for children
Remember your junior school days—reading about those tiny pores on the underside of leaves or parts of a flower?
How did you learn the names and remember their structure? Was it by examining it under a microscope yourself—a more effective method—or by memorizing and repeating the concept by heart? The answer would probably be the latter—the reason being expensive scientific equipment, considered too complex to be handled by children. However, if the New Delhi-based Jodo Gyan has its way, this way of teaching could be changed using a low-cost microscope that it has developed.
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A microscope made of... bamboo?
“The microscope was a chance invention six years ago,” says Usha Menon, a government researcher and one of the founders of Jodo Gyan. “Earlier, we used to sell plastic microscopes that were being manufactured by somebody else, but it was very low in quality. So we decided to move on to bamboo. It meant manufacturing it ourselves.” Since the first prototype was formed, the bamboo microscope has witnessed several changes, passing through at least four models before the latest one materialized.
This model is priced at Rs 200, and is made out of bamboo, two lenses of 10x power each, and a mirror that acts as a reflector. Of the two lenses, placed one above the other, one can be moved up and down using a screw, and the other can be moved sideways to enable better placing of the sample. The material used in building the microscope imparts several unique features to the equipment. First, it makes it inexpensive and eco-friendly. Says Menon, “In India, there is too much emphasis on memorization of concepts [in education] rather than focusing on understanding of the basics.” Being cheaper, this microscope allows children to experiment for themselves and learn in the process.
Second, it makes the microscope compact, light in weight and simple to use. Often, the complexity and delicateness of scientific equipments requires more sophisticated use. This microscope, however, can be used by middle-level children themselves with little training.
| About the microscope | |
| Innovation | Bamboo microscope |
| Organization | Jodo Gyan |
| Price | Rs 200 |
| Features | - Two lenses each of 10x magnification |
| - Made from bamboo | |
| - Lightweight | |
| - Low cost | |
| - Can be assembled and dismantled easily by anyone | |
| - Parts can be replaced easily | |
| - Not very complex to handle | |
Third, it can be assembled and dismantled by anyone. This flexibility also helps in case the equipment is dropped, as the parts of the microscope can be refitted easily by anyone, requiring little technical expertise.
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| An older version of the bamboo microscope |
Sourcing and manufacturing
The organization operates from a rickety building in Shakurpur that houses both the company’s office and the manufacturing unit. The manufacturing unit employs eight people who make a variety of products. For this microscope, the bamboo is sourced from Azadpur market, and the lenses and the reflector from the science bazaar in the Sadar Bazaar area, both located in Delhi. After the bamboo is procured, it undergoes several processes such as cutting, drilling, fining and finally assembling before the final product is made. The bamboo is also given termite treatment to ensure a longer lifespan.
When asked as to how many such microscopes can be made in a day, a technician working with the organization explains, “If you calculate from the start, the cutting stage, five microscopes can be made per day. Though not many processes are involved, there is a lot of handwork that is done to make the final product.” The organization has sold nearly 3,000 bamboo microscopes till date.
The organization
Jodo Gyan, which literally means “linking education”, has over 60 products to its credit, which include several tools to aid education, and games such as puzzles, toys etc, to promote critical thinking among children. The products range from Rs 35 to Rs 550. The organization adopts a different marketing strategy—their products are not sold through shops, but directly to end-users. For this, it holds workshops for teachers, participates in fairs and seminars organized by schools, and holds training camps for schools. These workshops are conducted across India and till date Jodo Gyan has organized more than 2,500 of them.
| About Jodo Gyan | |
| Registered | 1999 |
| Mission | To develop critical thinking and promote learning with understanding using activity-based methods |
| Areas of work | Primary mathematics and elementary level science |
| Products | Developed 60 products, including eight made from bamboo |
| Pricing | From as low as Rs 30 to Rs 550 |
| Marketing policy | Does not stock its products in stores, but believes in approaching its end-consumers directly through: |
| - Holding workshops and training camps for teachers (only when schools approach them), sometimes involving other schools in the vicinity | |
| - Participating in fairs and seminars organized by schools | |
| - Holding workshops and training camps for school chains | |
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This is not a complaint, only a sad observation. Either Jodo Gyan believes I am a rich industrialist intending to make business with their microscope, or they might have a policy of rewarding their friends with a higher price.