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A group of ANU graduates are hoping to change the way science is taught in schools by using smartphones and new developments in lens technology. Kenny Cen was a final year engineering student when he and two others completed a project under the supervision of lecturer and engineer Dr Steve Lee. Last year, Dr Lee won the Innovative Use of Technology award at the Eureka Prizes with Dr Tri Phan after creating a plastic droplet lens that can be used as a microscope with smartphones. The Eureka Prizes are presented annually by the Australian Museum and recognise outstanding contributions to the industry across the fields of research, innovation, leadership and communication. Together with Rachel Watkins and David Wright, Mr Cen is now hoping to use the groundbreaking technology to change the way Australian students learn about science. The trio have launched a fundraising campaign to enable the technology to be used by students in classrooms across Australia. "We have a goal to try and change the way we teach science in schools by incorporating modern technology like smartphones," Mr Cen said. "What we want to do is get this invention out there and get enough funding for the materials so we can beginning running workshops in schools." Mr Cen said science classes in Australian classrooms had become outdated and needed to keep up with advances in technology. "These kids are more used to using their smartphones and are exposed to technology early on," he said. "By the time they get to school and start doing science experiments they are working with rulers and equipment that hasn't kept up with technology." Dr Lee's optical droplet was praised by Australian Museum chief executive Kim McKay as transformative after winning a Eureka prize. "An optical plastic droplet that costs a cent to make and that can be used by anyone who has a smartphone – it's an excellent example of how clever research is making people's lives better and the technology accessible," she said. She said the group would need close to $15,000 to buy enough materials for schools across Australia to start conducting their own experiments. "It costs less than $5 to run experiments for a class of 20 students and it teaches them a variety of subjects at once, from biology to chemistry," she said. "We need to add a bit of spice back into science and the classroom and kids will love making something from scratch that they can use with their smartphones." – with Frances Mao

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