“An understanding of science is crucial for decision-making processes and brings benefits to everyday life, such as problem solving and creativity”, summarizes Timo Betz, from the University of Göttingen.The researcher is the co-author of the idea he took from the LegoScope project and tried to improve it, so that it was possible to build a high-resolution microscope using only Lego pieces.The only 'external' component is a lens used in smartphone cameras and which is quite low cost.The team realized that the lenses currently integrated into smartphones respond to the need for a high-magnification objective and a low-magnification objective.The researchers used the replacement plastic lens from an iPhone 5 camera: "After carefully separating the lens from the chip, it is placed on a Lego brick with transparent tape and a glass film to cover", quotes ArsTechnica.The glass lens for the low-magnification objective was placed on a stand on the same Lego piece.Even the lighting is sourced from the toy brand, with a special block that includes an orange LED (and can be used in other colors).A sheet of paper can be used to diffuse the light if there is such a need for observations.The component that was most challenging to build was the one supporting the lenses.The team's intention is that children can build this complete kit and it is recommended that an adult or a more experienced child assemble this part.The rest of the kit can be built by the little ones, following the instructions provided.Scientists also propose some basic experiments that the youngest can do at home with their Lego microscope.The test group had elements between the ages of 9 and 13 who were able to build the device and do some of the experiments without difficulty.In the end, they were asked to answer a questionnaire, with the scientists noting that they gained more knowledge about microscopy and learned more concepts.Documents with full instructions and experiences are available in English, German, Dutch and Spanish here.The initiative follows the trend of 'frugal science', in which specialists try to recreate expensive instruments using cheap pieces of hardware and open source software, in an attempt to democratize access for all (the youngest, populations in developing and other groups) to Science.