ERIC Number: EJ1474770
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-2154-8455
EISSN: EISSN-2154-8463
Available Date: 0000-00-00
3D Printing for Teaching and Exploration in Astronomy for Individuals with Blindness/Visual Impairment: Textured Representations of Imagery
International Journal of Science Education, Part B: Communication and Public Engagement, v15 n2 p304-324 2025
Astronomy, a captivating field that draws upon science, mathematics, and engineering, has traditionally relied on visual representations to convey the wonders of the cosmos. While this approach effectively engages the sighted population, the use of imagery can exclude individuals with blindness or visual impairment (B/VI). Astronomical research is incorporated into press releases, media, outreach efforts, and educational systems aimed at enhancing public interest and often skill in science, but visual materials can hamper a population with B/VI. This paper explores the potential of 3D printing as an assistive technology providing an alternative to imagery. We produced textured 3D prints of astronomical research data from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Useability assessment of materials is an important phase of production before integration into structured programs, and we used a multi-phased approach in our prior research to create and test appropriate textures for 3D astronomical prints. This paper describes the last step of reviewing our 3D prints through informal useability sessions with diverse individuals. The assessment indicated our 3D prints provide reliable, informative representations of astronomical data appropriate for public use especially for public information, outreach programs, and science education for individuals with B/VI.
Descriptors: Astronomy, Printing, Stimuli, Tactual Perception, Spatial Ability, Students with Disabilities, Blindness, Visual Impairments, Science Education, Technology Uses in Education, Instructional Materials, Geometric Concepts, Laboratory Equipment, After School Programs, High School Students, Middle School Students
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: High Schools; Secondary Education; Junior High Schools; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Maryland; South Carolina
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: 1Space Telescope Science Institute, HST Mission Office, Baltimore, MD, USA; 2International Space Science Institute, and Space Telescope Science Institute, Bern, Switzerland; 3You Can Do Astronomy LLC, New Britain, CT, USA; 4Department of Physics and Astronomy, San Jose State University, San Jose, CA, USA; 5Biology, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Penn West Edinboro, Edinboro, PA, USA