Let’s Link Up! A Collaborative Polymer Workshop for Blind and Low Vision Learners

Modern methods in chemical education often rely on visual information. Such a dependence presents significant barriers for blind and low vision (BLV) learners and frequently results in exclusion from science learning and direct participation in laboratory activities. This polymer network activity, adapted from Wissinger and co-workers, centers accessibility for BLV learners and provides an inclusive, hands-on learning experience. The workshop, divided into two modules, aims to (1) foster a molecular understanding of polymer network structure through model construction with common household items and (2) facilitate first-person, scientific experiences via the fabrication and deconstruction of alginate-based polymer networks. Vitally, this work reflects a collaborative effort among a middle school science educator, polymer specialists, a legally blind curriculum consultant, and members of the local BLV community, ensuring sound pedagogy, scientific accuracy, and full accessibility. Survey results indicate significant enhancements in participant understanding of polymer chemistry concepts. This work underscores the importance of collaboration with target communities in accessible science curriculum design and the potential for tactile pedagogy to enrich inclusion and engagement in STEM for the BLV community. Abstract alt-text: A cartoon diagram of hydrogel formation. Three panels show the passage of time. Above the panels lies three checkboxes: “tactile pedagogy,” “accessible design,” and “community partnership.” The panel descriptions are as follows: 1. The first panel shows sodium alginate being injected into a liquid in a cup (labeled Ca++) sitting on a tray. An arrow labeled “cross-link formation” leads to the second panel. 2. A hand is holding onto a green worm-like hydrogel that partially immersed in the cup (still labelled Ca++). A second arrow labeled “cross-link collapse” points to the third panel. 3. The same hand is holding a shorter, thinner green worm-like hydrogel. Two other small, thin worm-like hydrogels sit at the bottom of a cup (now labeled Na+).