Annual Accessible Field Trip at WHOI for Middle and High School Students
This full-day experience at WHOI, designed in collaboration with the Perkins Outreach program at Perkins School for the Blind, includes several educational activities that engage all students in learning about ocean concepts using non-visual approaches. These include 3D models, tactile graphics, data sonification, guided hands-on explorations of living marine animals and oceanographic equipment, and non-visual presentations by prominent WHOI scientists and engineers. All are welcome to participate -- contact Anna Pinckney (anna.pinckney@whoi.edu) for more information.
Accessible Remote Field Trip Kits
What is an accessible remote field trip kit? An accessible remote field trip kit includes 3D models with explanatory documentation to illustrate various oceanographic concepts. The materials are available to all learners via this webpage by downloading 3D print files to create the models with a 3D printer, and pdf files that contain the educational information about the oceanographic concept. The kits are currently under development, and more will be added as they are completed. To keep up to date, subscribe to the OceanInsight website.
Available accessible kits
Measuring Deep Currents in the North Atlantic Ocean
Readings
- What is Physical Oceanography?
- What is the Crossroads Project About?
- Who is Oceanographer Amy Bower?
- How Do RAFOS Floats Work?
3D Models
These are .stl files which are commonly used to view and print 3D models. MeshMixer, Blender, or even Windows 3D Viewer are some examples of software that can help you view and prepare the files for printing.
Tactile Graphics
These graphics were designed to be printed on swell paper and rendered tactile using equipment such as Humanware's Pictures-in-a-Flash (PIAF).
Other Resources
AFB AccessWorld ® Magazine: Technology News for People Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired from the American Foundation for the Blind
Dr. Mona Minkara, Assistant Professor of Bioengineering at Northeastern University:
- Dr. Minkara's site on being a blind chemist
- Dr. Minkara has compiled this extensive list of resources and tools for scientists who are blind. Check it out!