A Microscopic World at the Touch: Learning Biology with Novel 2.5D and 3D Tactile Models

[摘要] Accurate conceptual understanding of abstractbiological topics can be a challenge for young students in the scienceclassroom and particularly for blind students, given limited availability of non-visualresources to support learning. With the goal of making science conceptsmeaningful using primarily the sense of touch, we have developed texture-rich3D and 2.5D tactile, didactic materials on biological subjects such as cells,tissues, fungi, bacteria, viruses, and other microscopic objects of biologicalinterest. Our team of expert scientists, plastic artists, and educators hasbeen involved in the creation of such models to ensure that theircharacteristics are accessible for blind and visually impaired students as wellas sighted students, making them suitable for use in inclusive classrooms.Simultaneously, an elementary and middle school curriculum which includesmulti-sensorial experimental activities has been proposed for some of the abovesubjects, where tactile models are incorporated to facilitate teaching.

[学科分类] 眼科学

[关键词] Anisopteromalus calandrae;venom transcriptome;venom gland;ectoparasitoid;insect pests