A third-year college student from Carlos Hilado Memorial State University (CHMSU) has made a significant contribution to science education with his groundbreaking invention, dubbed the Pencroscope.
In a Facebook post, Ceejay Faala, a Bachelor of Secondary Education major in Science student from CHMSU Binalbagan campus, shared his invention which he described as a portable and affordable digital microscope that could revolutionize the way science is taught and learned.
Weighing just 30 grams and measuring 9cm x 3cm, the Pencroscope is incredibly compact and easy to carry, he said.
According to Faala, his invention could be ranked as the 1st Smallest (9cm x 3cm) Innovated Microscope in the Philippines, if it were qualified for a patent, based on the current records of innovative microscopes in the Philippines.
The device is powered by a 1800mAh battery, and can be used for up to an hour on a single charge. It isequipped with a 720p camera and WiFi connectivity which allows users to capture and share high-quality images and videos of microscopic specimens.
According to him, one of the most significant advantages of the Pencroscope is its affordability. Priced at 10 times less than traditional laboratory microscopes, it makes scientific exploration accessible to a wider range of students and schools. Its magnification capabilities, ranging from 50x to 340x, are sufficient for most educational purposes, allowing students to observe a variety of biological and material samples.
Applying the Reduce and Repurpose, Upcycle and Use (R2U2) concept for this invention, Faala highlighted the value of upcycling, a creative approach that transforms waste into valuable products. Unlike traditional recycling, which often reduces the quality of materials, upcycling enhances their worth by giving them new life.
In a Facebook post, Faala showcased the Pencroscope’s capabilities by capturing the microorganisms present in a drop of floodwater. The video demonstration clearly highlights the device’s potential to inspire curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of the natural world.
