Building a mathematics laboratory for tactile learners using a 3D printer

Abstract

Tactile learning models have helped students understand mathematical concepts since the beginning of man. In this work, we investigate the options of developing hand held models using a 3D printer. Special attention is given to assist blind learners, who are often tactile learners. Although 3D printed models are very time consuming to develop, we present several options which are economical, repeatable and effective. For our research we used geometric Euclidean shapes drawn with a compass and a straight edge, instructive proofs without words, volumes of solids and multivariable calculus models in space. This work can be expanded in the future to produce other 3D printed models.

Description

Keywords

Math, Tactile, Models, Three-dimensional (3-D), Printing, Blind

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