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STEM education is often disconnected from innovation and design, where students self-identify as solely scientists, artists, or technophiles, but rarely see the connection between the disciplines. The inclusion of arts (A) in STEM education (STEAM) offers an educational approach where students see how subjects are integrated through learning experiences that apply to everyday, developing personal connections and becoming motivated learners who understand how skills from each subject are needed for future careers. This project addresses both the disconnect between science, design, and technology and how high school students can benefit from innovative learning experiences in plant science that integrate these disciplines while gaining invaluable skills for future STEM careers. We used the Science-Art-Design-Technology (SADT) pedagogical approach, characterized by its project-based learning that relies on student teamwork and facilitation by educators. This approach was applied through a STEAM educational 3D plant module where teams: 1) investigated plants under research at a plant science research center, 2) designed and created 3D models of those plants, 3) experienced the application of 3D modeling in augmented and virtual reality platforms, and 4) disseminated project results. We used a mixed-method approach using qualitative and quantitative research methods to assess the impact of the 3D modeling module on students’ understanding of the intersection of art and design with science, learning and skills gains, and interests in STEAM subjects and careers. A total of 160 students from eight educational institutions (schools and informal programs) implemented the module. Student reflection questions revealed that students see art and design playing a role in science mainly by facilitating communication and further understanding and fostering new ideas. They also see science influencing art and design through the artistic creation process. The students acknowledged learning STEAM content and applications associated with plant science, 3D modeling, and augmented and virtual reality. They also acknowledged gaining research skills and soft skills such as collaboration and communication. Students also increased their interest in STEAM subjects and careers, particularly associated with plant science. The SADT approach, exemplified by the 3D plant module, effectively integrates science, art, design, and technology, enhancing student literacy in these fields, and providing students with essential 21st century competencies. The module's flexibility and experiential learning opportunities benefit students and educators, promoting interdisciplinary learning and interest in STEAM subjects and careers. This innovative approach is a valuable tool for educators, inspiring new ways of teaching and learning in STEAM education.
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Exploring the Potential of 3D-printing in Biological Education: A Review of the Literature
Synopsis Science education is most effective when it provides authentic experiences that reflect professional practices and approaches that address issues relevant to students’ lives and communities. Such educational experiences are becoming increasingly interdisciplinary and can be enhanced using digital fabrication. Digital fabrication is the process of designing objects for the purpose of fabricating with machinery such as 3D-printers, laser cutters, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) machines. Historically, these types of tools have been exceptionally costly and difficult to access; however, recent advancements in technological design have been accompanied by decreasing prices. In this review, we first establish the historical and theoretical foundations that support the use of digital fabrication as a pedagogical strategy to enhance learning. We specifically chose to focus attention on 3D-printing because this type of technology is becoming increasingly advanced, affordable, and widely available. We systematically reviewed the last 20 years of literature that characterized the use of 3D-printing in biological education, only finding a total of 13 articles that attempted to investigate the benefits for student learning. While the pedagogical value of student-driven creation is strongly supported by educational literature, it was challenging to make broad claims about student learning in relation to using or creating 3D-printed models in the context of biological education. Additional studies are needed to systematically investigate the impact of student-driven creation at the intersection of biology and engineering or computer science education.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1930744
- PAR ID:
- 10206556
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Integrative and Comparative Biology
- Volume:
- 60
- Issue:
- 4
- ISSN:
- 1540-7063
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 896 to 905
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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- Free Publicly Accessible Full Text
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Accepted Manuscript1.0
- Journal Article:
- https://doi.org/10.1093/icb/icaa100
