2D-3 - Astronomy and 3D Printing for Students with Visual Impairments: The STEM Career Exploration Lab

Abstract: 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. By the end of summer 2024, we will have held eighteen week-long STEM CEL astronomy summer camps in twelve states, three in each of the four main US census regions, serving a total of about 120 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. Thirty-three teachers from eleven states have participated. We gathered pre- and post-intervention data via surveys, astronomy assessments, and 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 sample of our lessons and 3D models, insights learned, and best practices. Once fully evaluated and refined, we will make our 3D models and lessons freely available. We find that with appropriate context and guidance, 3D printing is effective in increasing scientific understanding and showcasing scientific data for appreciation of astronomy. This work is supported by an Innovative Technology Experiences for Students and Teachers (ITEST) grant from the National Science Foundation (Award 1949458).