Microplastics trawls are specialized tools used in environmental research and conservation to collect and analyze microplastics in aquatic ecosystems. These trawls are designed to efficiently capture tiny plastic particles—typically less than 5mm in size—from water samples, sediments, or surface debris. Researchers deploy them in oceans, rivers, and lakes to assess the concentration, distribution, and types of microplastics present. Our miniature DIY microplastics trawl, Babylegs, will allow you and your students to study microplastics in your environment to better understand the impacts of plastic pollution on marine and freshwater ecosystems, wildlife, and human health.

The conductivity of water is a key indicator of its ionic content, primarily reflecting the concentration of dissolved salts, minerals, and other charged particles. It is influenced by environmental conditions such as rainfall, temperature, and human activities.Monitoring conductivity can help assess the health of aquatic ecosystems, as sudden changes may signal pollution, altered water chemistry, or shifts in natural conditions like droughts or floods. Our DIY Conductivity sensor, Coquí provides students with the opportunity to explore both electrical engineering and environmental science as they build and use this tool to understand conductivity as it relates to changes in water quality and ecosystem health.

A classic scientific tool, microscopes allow us to view details that are not visible to the naked eye. They are essential tools in fields such as biology, materials science, and medicine, enabling the study of microorganisms, cell structures, and the fine details of materials at a microscopic scale. In this workshop, educators will learn how to instruct their students in the conversion of a webcam to a powerful microscope, providing a low-cost and hands-on alternative to traditional microscopy lessons.