One of the central tenets of Universal Design for Learning (UDL) is the presentation of concepts using multiple modalities. As new technologies develop, the variety of available representations increases as well. In this paper, we explore how 3D-printed models can provide another avenue of approach to physics concepts. Students with low vision may particularly benefit from such models.
References
1.
D.
Dimitrov
, K.
Schreve
, and N.
de Beer
, “Advances in three dimensional printing – State of the art and future perspectives
,” Rapid Prototyp. J.
12
, 136
–147
(2006
).2.
P.
Moeck
, P.
DeStefano
, W.
Kaminsky
, T.
Snyder
, and K. D.
Sattler
, 21st Century Nanoscience—A Handbook: Public Policy Education, and Global Trends
(CRC Press
, Boca Raton, FL
, 2019
), p. 14
–2
.3.
J. P.
Torres
and E. G.
Mendes
, “Making visual illustrations of physics accessible to blind students
,” Phys. Teach.
55
, 398
–400
(2017
).4.
P.
McGahern
, F.
Bosch
, and D.
Poli
, “Enhancing learning using 3D printing: An alternative to traditional student project methods
,” Am. Biol. Teach.
77
, 376
–377
(2015
).5.
X.
Kong
et al, “Do 3D printing models improve anatomical teaching about hepatic segments to medical students? A randomized controlled study
,” World J. Surg.
40
, 1969
–1976
(2016
).6.
S.
Hall
et al, “A pilot study assessing the value of 3D printed molecular modelling tools for pharmacy student education
,” Curr. Pharm. Teach. Learn.
9
, 723
–728
(2017
).7.
W. E.
Masters
, “Computer automated manufacturing process and system
,” U.S. Patent, US4665492A (May 12, 1987
).8.
9.
Tinkercad, http://www.tinkercad.com (Autodesk,
2020
).10.
SketchUp, http://www.sketchup.com (Trimble,
2020
).11.
Thingiverse–Digital Designs for Physical Objects, http://www.thingiverse.com (MakerBot,
2020
).12.
Paul Peter
Urone
and Rodger
Hinrichs
, College Physics
(OpenStax, Rice University
, 2020
), pp. 908
, 944
, and 945.13.
National Federation of the Blind
, The Braille Literacy Crisis in America: Facing the Truth, Reversing the Trend, Empowering the Blind
(Jernigan Institute
, 2009
).14.
D.
Halliday
, R.
Resnick
, and J.
Walker
, Fundamentals of Physics,
9th ed. (John Wiley & Sons
, Hoboken, NJ
, 2011
), p. 708
.15.
A. C.
Azevedo
and A. C. F.
Santos
, “Teaching optics to blind pupils
,” Phys. Educ.
49
, 383
–386
(2014
).© 2022 Author(s). Published under an exclusive license by American Association of Physics Teachers.
2022
Author(s)
AAPT members receive access to The Physics Teacher and the American Journal of Physics as a member benefit. To learn more about this member benefit and becoming an AAPT member, visit the Joining AAPT page.