Touching the Solar System: A Project-Based Learning Astronomy Program for Students with Visual Impairments

Graphical Abstract

Abstract

Discover a curriculum that uses 3D tactile models to engage all students in planetary science.

Keywords:

• Informal Education
• Astronomy
• Disabilities
• Inclusion
• NGSS
• STEM

Supplemental Material

Acknowledgment

The authors wish to thank members of the POEM external advisory board. This study was performed at the University of Arizona and funded by the National Science Foundation’s ITEST program (award #1657201). Contents of this publication do not represent the official views of NSF. POEM is approved for human subjects research at the University of Arizona by our Institutional Review Board (IRB #1702248263). In compliance with this approval process, we obtained assent forms from students as well as consent forms from their parents and mentors.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Stephen Kortenkamp

Stephen Kortenkamp is an associate professor of practice at the University of Arizona Department of Planetary Sciences – Lunar and Planetary Laboratory in Tucson, Arizona.

Jinseok Park

Jinseok Park doctoral student at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.

Tasnim Alshuli

Tasnim Alshuli doctoral student at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.

Garrison Tsinajinie

Garrison Tsinajinie is an assistant professor of practice at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.

Sanlyn Buxner

Sanlyn Buxner is an associate research professor at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.

Irene Topor

Irene Topor is an associate professor of practice (emeritus) at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.

Sunggye Hong

Sunggye Hong is an associate professor at the University of Arizona College of Education in Tucson, Arizona.