Impressão 3D no Ensino de Biologia Celular para Estudantes com Deficiência Visual — FECINTEC 2021

Summary

Sofia Martins, a student from the Instituto Federal do Mato Grosso do Sul, shares her project on 3D printing in biology education for visually impaired students. The project aimed to create 3D models of cell biology to assist students with low vision in understanding complex biological structures. By adapting 3D models from online repositories and applying thoughtful color contrasts, the team produced tactile learning tools that enhanced accessibility. Sofia discusses the challenges, the importance of inclusion, and the impact of such innovations in education, hoping to inspire other fields to create similar inclusive solutions.

Takeaways

• 😀 The project focuses on using 3D printing to aid students with visual impairments in understanding cellular biology.
• 😀 3D printing technology, also known as additive manufacturing, is used to create detailed, tactile models of biological structures.
• 😀 The project team included students from the Federal Institute of Mato Grosso do Sul, with a particular focus on students with low vision.
• 😀 Color contrast and functional relevance were key considerations when designing the 3D models of cell organelles.
• 😀 The research involved reviewing existing literature on the use of 3D models in teaching cellular biology to visually impaired students.
• 😀 The 3D models were sourced from Thingiverse, an online platform that offers free digital models for 3D printing.
• 😀 The models were printed in white filament, and the organelles were painted to match their corresponding biological functions.
• 😀 Attention was given to ensuring the models were smooth and free from imperfections to avoid discomfort when touched.
• 😀 A workshop was organized to showcase the process and findings, using the 3D models to demonstrate cell functions.
• 😀 The project aimed to set an example for other areas of education in using innovative solutions for including students with disabilities.

Q & A

What is the main objective of Sofia Martins' project?

The main objective of Sofia Martins' project is to produce 3D models of cellular biology to assist visually impaired students in understanding cell structures, thus enhancing the learning experience in biology education.

How does 3D printing help visually impaired students in biology education?

3D printing helps visually impaired students by creating tangible models of biological structures, which can be touched and felt. These models are designed with specific color contrasts and details to aid students with visual impairments, making learning more accessible.

What is additive manufacturing and how is it related to the project?

Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing or rapid prototyping, is a technology that builds physical objects layer by layer based on digital designs. In this project, it was used to create detailed, tactile models of cell structures to assist visually impaired students in learning about biology.

Why is inclusion important in education, according to the project?

Inclusion is important because it ensures that students with disabilities have equal access to educational resources and opportunities. The project emphasizes the importance of providing innovative solutions to make education more accessible for students with visual impairments.

How did the team adapt their approach to suit visually impaired students?

The team adapted their approach by selecting contrasting colors for the cellular organelles and ensuring that the colors reflected the organelles' functions. They also created models that were tactile and easy to manipulate, considering the specific needs of visually impaired students.

What materials were used to create the 3D models?

The 3D models were primarily printed using white filament. Additional materials, such as spray paint for some organelles and automotive paint for others, were used to add color. The models were also coated with varnish to ensure the durability of the paint.

What challenges did the team face during the project, and how were they addressed?

The team faced challenges like handling imperfections in the 3D printed models and ensuring they were comfortable for touch. These issues were addressed by using tools like tweezers and scissors to refine the models, and by painting the organelles to avoid rough or imperfect surfaces.

What was the purpose of the workshop and presentation in the project?

The purpose of the workshop and presentation was to share the knowledge gained during the project and to present the models to the team, explaining how they were made and how they could help visually impaired students understand cellular structures.

What specific cell structures did the team focus on for the 3D models?

The team focused on creating 3D models of various cellular organelles, such as the mitochondria, nucleus, nucleolus, ribosomes, and chloroplasts. They also printed models in larger scales for better tactile understanding.

What impact does the project hope to have on education for students with disabilities?

The project aims to serve as an example for other areas of education, showing how innovation and the use of technologies like 3D printing can help include students with disabilities and improve their learning experiences in subjects like biology.