Author: Thomas Madura
Affiliation: San Jose State University
Country: USA
Co-Author(s): Carol Christian
Affiliation: Space Telescope Science Institute
Country: USA
Title: Astronomy for Students with Visual Impairments: Development of the Career Exploration Lab
For students with visual impairments (VI), the possibility of a future in astronomy, or any science, technology, engineering, and
mathematics (STEM) field, seems daunting. In order to bolster astronomy and STEM opportunities for high school students with VI
(ages 14 – 20) in the United States, we developed a series of STEM Career Exploration Labs (CELs). Our STEM CEL methodology employs
tactile astronomy instruction via 3D printing technologies and unique 3D-printed models, professionals with VI acting as role models,
and partnerships with local STEM industries that provide insights into possible career paths. In partnership with the South Carolina
Commission for the Blind (SCCB) and the Michigan Bureau of Services for Blind Persons (MBSBP), to date we have held four week-long CELs
(June 2017, June + July 2018, August 2019), thus far serving nearly fifty students with VI. We gathered pre- and post-intervention data
via student surveys, assessments of students’ astronomy knowledge and spatial thinking skills, and video recordings of the CEL activities
in order to study to what extent the CEL model can enhance students with VI’s attitudes towards, interests in, and capacities to participate
in astronomy education and STEM careers. Once fully tested and refined, we will make our 3D print model files and associated activities freely
available for further use and study. This work serves as a testbed for an expanded international CEL program aimed at helping increase the
representation of persons with VI in astronomy and STEM fields. In this presentation, we will share our methods and what we have learned
during the development and implementation of the CELs. Various 3D printed astronomy models will also be available for the audience to
explore and provide feedback on.
References
[1]: “Touchable Astronomy: Exploring STEM Careers for the Visually Impaired,”
Christian, C.; Madura, T.I.; Hurd, D.; Diaz-Merced, W.; Silberman, K. 2017,
68th International Astronautical Congress (IAC), Adelaide, Australia, 25 – 29 September 2017, IAC-17-E1.7.9
[2]: “A Case Study in Astronomical 3D Printing: The Mysterious Eta Carinae,”
Madura, T.I. 2017, Publications of the Astronomical Society of Pacific, Vol. 129, Issue 975, pp. 058011
[3]: “You Can Touch These! Creating 3D Tactile Representations Of Hubble Space Telescope Images,”
Christian, C.A, Nota, A., Greenfield, P., Grice, N., Shaheen, N. 2015, Journal and Review of Astronomy Education
and Outreach, 3, retrieved from http://jraeo.com/?page_id=282