Conceptual Understandings of Galaxies by Students With Visual Impairments Before and After a Hands-on Lesson Including 3D-Printed Materials

Three-dimensional (3D) printing can represent research data to stimulate interest in science, specifically astronomy, when coupled with other resources for public understanding. Traditionally, imagery is the main product used to engage individuals in astronomy, disadvantaging those with visual impairments (VI). In this study, textured 3D prints of Hubble Space Telescope data were integrated into a lesson covering galaxies, as one part of a larger Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) study of students with VI. Over 3 years, 119 students participated in astronomy summer camps across the United States including a study of their conceptual understandings of galaxies. Students participated in pre- and post-lesson interviews which indicated that many students’ full scientific and partial understandings of galaxies greatly increased resulting from our approach including custom 3D prints and tactile materials. Analysis also showed the students’ misconceptions about galaxies were similar to those in studies with sighted students. Whether VI students hold distinct misconceptions warrants deeper investigation.