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ERIC Number: EJ1469759
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2025-Jan
Pages: 14
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0145-482X
EISSN: EISSN-1559-1476
Available Date: 0000-00-00
Mission INSPIRE: A Virtual STEM Event for Students Aged 11-16 Years Who Read Braille
L. Penny Rosenblum1; Tina S. Herzberg2; Sara K. Larkin3; Susan A. Osterhaus4; Tiffany Wild5
Journal of Visual Impairment & Blindness, v119 n1 p61-74 2025
Introduction: Individuals with visual impairments are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields, perhaps in part because they sometimes do not have the same opportunities for hands-on learning as sighted peers. Methods: Twelve braille readers aged 11-16 years participated in a synchronous online hands-on inquiry-based science activity. During two group meetings, they received instruction as they examined a 3D rocket model and tactile graphics and then assembled a small rocket with provided materials. Students were then directed to independently build a second rocket, conduct experiments, and present their data to two judges. Judges used a seven-category scoring rubric to score each presentation. The students completed a follow-up survey in which they rated items on a Likert scale. Results: The students varied in their science content knowledge, use of braille, and amount of detail provided during their presentations. Judges could assign up to 70 points to participants on the scoring rubric. Scores were wide ranging, from 14 to 68. In the follow-up survey, students were overwhelmingly positive in their ratings of the activities. In response to an open-ended question, many students stated that launching their rockets was their favorite part of the experience. Discussion: Students with visual impairments need opportunities to build their STEM and scientific inquiry skills and to interact and learn informally with their peers. The hands-on inquiry-based experience described in this article provided such an opportunity for 12 students. Implications for Practitioners: Students with visual impairments should be encouraged to take part in inquiry-based learning experiences. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics educators should become familiar with accommodations that students with visual impairments may use and the importance of providing hands-on learning activities to prepare students to fully understand STEM content.
SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: journals@sagepub.com; Web site: https://sagepub-com.bibliotheek.ehb.be
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education; Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: H235E190003
Department of Education Funded: Yes
Author Affiliations: 1Vision for Independence LLC, Tucson, AZ, USA; 2College of Education, Human Performance, and Health, University of South Carolina Upstate, Spartanburg, SC, USA; 3Iowa Educational Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Council Bluffs, IA, USA; 4Outreach Program, Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Austin, TX, USA; 5College of Education and Human Ecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA