Here's a brief demonstration of a 3D-printed computer-controlled microscope that we're developing in collaboration with ITEEA and schools in Uganda. The manual version of the microscope can be fabricated for about $40 (in contrast to $400 for a commercial microscope for schools). The web camera for the computer controlled version adds another $30 to $50. However, it enables students to explore topics such as automated focusing using filters in the Snap! Pixels library. It also potentially provides opportunities for use of AI for automated classification of specimens at some point in the future. The project uses the Snap! MicroBlocks library to control a stepper motor to adjust the focus mechanism.
