2D-2 - Tactile and Textured Astronomy:: 3D Printing Technology and Materials for STEM

Abstract: Astronomy combines the richness and complexity of science and mathematics and captivates the public imagination, stimulating meaningful questions about the cosmos and our own origin. It also integrates engineering and technologies to actively probe the universe. Astronomical concepts and data are often described verbally, in writing, as well as translated into visual representations for analysis, education, and general public communication. Many individuals can benefit from alternative methods of presentation such as tactile resources especially those with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI) for which visual resources can be problematic. We have explored the utility of 3D printing to translate astronomical research data and models into 3D prints, extensively tested the designs, and subsequently incorporated these materials into publicly accessible programs and more formally into in summer camps specifically for students including those with B/VI and their educators. This paper discusses the importance of testing that the materials we produced are robust, understandable, and represent the scientific research data and models with integrity. Our program also included a STEM camp pilot project. We assessed students’ interactions with the materials and observed that they are helpful in stimulating interest in science and 3D printing technology. In developing 3D prints, we honed their design, and tested them in various environments, resulting in verification that 3D printing is useful in representing scientific data to the general public for improved appreciation of astronomy. The experience of holding a planet, the Sun, a star cluster, or a model of a galaxy resonates well with even the most casual interest in astronomy. The success of our development and pilot testing project was input for our more ambitious program, the Career Exploration Lab.