Microscópio para smartphone: um instrumento inovador no ensino de ciências e biologia

Abstract

"This study aimed to construct a low-cost microscope coupled to a smartphone and evaluate its pedagogical effectiveness in practical classes. The research stemmed from the need to make Biology teaching more contextualized and accessible, given structural limitations, the scarcity of laboratory practices, and the students' difficulty in understanding abstract content such as plant cells and tissues. The methodology involved developing the prototype, preparing histological slides, and conducting interventions in three schools, accompanied by evaluative questionnaires for students and teachers. The results showed high acceptance of the tool; students stated that such activities facilitate learning, while teachers highlighted the lack of resources as a recurring obstacle but demonstrated strong interest in using the adapted microscope in future classes. Thus, using the smartphone as a microscope proved to be an effective, accessible alternative capable of promoting greater engagement in Cell Biology learning within the Amazonian school context."