© Pint of Science, 2024. All rights reserved.
What would MacGyver do to solve climate change and science denial? Because unfortunately, not all of us have access to a lab or scientific equipment. But what if you could build a microscope simply with cardboard, duct tape, and a lens? Good thing you can thanks to frugal science: a positive philosophy that sees lack of resources as a great opportunity for scientific research and education.
DIY Science: exhibited
Maxime Leroy
(Scientific Mediator, ESPGG-TRACES)
Sandrine Bron
(Exhibition Manager, ESPGG-TRACES)
Frugal Science was born in India from the idea that scientific instruments can be made from just a bit of recycled material and repurposed parts, fostering creativity and problem-solving. More than a making and tinkering practice, it's a philosophy in itself. It relies on three main principles: cooperation, recycling, new technologies. Discover how the curators of Espace des Sciences Pierre Gilles de Gênes conceived a hybrid ""forum-exhibition"" around frugal science items, which were progressively modified through public contributions and eventually recycled.
I can, you can, we soda can
Fabrice Lemoult
(Maître de conférences, Institut Langevin, ESPCI Paris - PSL)
Doing fundamental or applied research doesn't necessarily imply disproportionate costs. Thanks to 3D printing and recycled materials, researchers can now lead creative and inexpensive experiments: welcome to frugal research! Come see for yourself how, for instance, empty soda cans can be a very reliable tool to control sound and are even compared to "acoustic atoms". Listen carefully and the cans may sing for you...
© les contributeurs OpenStreetMap