ABSTRACT

Microscopy is an essential technique in biology, chemistry, and physics. Therefore, training in microscopy is crucial in science education. However, there is a gap between theory and practice because microscopes are perceived as “black boxes” rather than instruments that use geometrical and wave optics to provide an image. Active learning methods such as challenge-based learning can bridge this gap. We present a challenge-based learning course using the open-source microscopy platform UC2 to encourage students to answer a relevant research question while exploring the anatomy of microscopes. The students follow a full research path, in which they start with the design of a microscope, followed by building, calibrating, and using it for sample analysis. We describe how we designed the course, which components we added as options for the students, and how we encouraged the students to think outside the box. The challenges we offer are open and versatile and tailored to the interests of the students. We describe what results the students obtained and how the course was received by the students. When the students successfully fulfill all the requirements of the course, we believe we give them the tools they will need in future microscopy projects, from choosing the correct microscopy setup to scientifically correct processing of the data.