Whether the wonders of the universe interest you or not, it’s hard to deny that it’s amazing to be able to see the planets through a telescope, or even just photos. Unfortunately, for those who are visually impaired it’s not that easy.
Recently, a new campaign launched to develop a program that will use 3D prints to teach astronomy and astrophysics to visually impaired students. The team consists of former and current NASA astrophysicists and engineers, university professors at UNAM in Mexico and Johannes Kepler University in Austria, and education specialists of both visually impaired and sighted students. Working with researchers at NASA, the group has developed an initial set of 3D files of astronomical objects. These, along with lesson plans, will be delivered online to classrooms to supplement the teaching both subjects.
In their words:
“We aim, with assistance from scientists and educators at NASA and universities around the world, to develop a program that will use 3D prints to help teach astronomy and astrophysics to visually impaired students. Our goal is to develop a long-term and sustainable solution for bringing visually impaired students the wonders of the Universe, motivating them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).”
Aside from being able to help a great cause, the rewards are pretty fun. Ranging from NASA patches to the world’s first 3D printed nebula to a personal, guided tour of NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, backers can definitely get their money’s worth.
Find out more information and donate here!
This is a great idea!