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| Paper: |
Astronomy and 3D Printing for Students with Visual Impairments: The STEM Career Exploration Lab |
| Volume: |
539, ASP 2024: Astronomy Across the Spectrum |
| Page: |
33 |
| Authors: |
Madura, T.; Christian, C.; WIld, T.; Hurd, D.; Grice, N. |
| Abstract: |
Three-dimensional (3D) printing holds promise for students with blindness/visual impairments (B/VI) in addressing astronomy content, concept development, and providing access to information normally displayed visually. To help bolster astronomy and STEM opportunities for students with B/VI, we developed the STEM Career Exploration Lab (CEL), which employs tactile astronomy instruction via 3D printing and specially designed 3D-printed models. Our project centerpiece is the 3D printer build, where students with B/VI assemble and use a desktop 3D printer. To date, we have held sixteen week-long STEM CEL astronomy and 3D printing summer camps in twelve states (three states in each of the four main US census regions), serving a total of over 120 high school students with B/VI. We collaborated with Teachers of the Visually Impaired and general education STEM teachers via annual Educator Partner Institutes (EPIs) to develop our astronomy lessons and 3D models. These educators also assist with the STEM CEL summer camps. To date, thirty-seven teachers from twelve states have participated. We gathered pre- and post-intervention data via surveys, astronomy assessments, and student interviews, resulting in what is likely the largest research study on astronomy and 3D printing instruction for students with B/VI. We present our CEL approach, a short description of our lessons, initial project results, and some best practices. Once fully evaluated and refined, we will make our 3D models and astronomy activities freely available online. We find that with appropriate context and guidance, 3D printing is effective in increasing scientific understanding and showcasing scientific data for appreciation of astronomy. |
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