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Hands-on STEM Learning Experiences using Digital Technologies

Gaia Fior, Carlo Fonda, Enrique Canessa

TL;DR

This paper investigates how hands-on, visually-rich STEM learning can be broadened through FabLabs and digital fabrication in Italian schools and public events. Using a SciFabLab in Trieste, the authors describe a portfolio of prototypes—ranging from 3D-printed objects and cloud chambers to mechanical clocks, a giant Galton board, an AR Sandbox, and AI-driven 2D-to-3D visualization—to illustrate tactile learning. Additionally, they present school-oriented implementations, such as a large microcontroller board replica and Tubora wind-tunnel experiments, to support inclusive access and practical experimentation. These examples demonstrate feasibility, inclusivity, and potential for scaling digital fabrication-based STEM education, while highlighting the need for broader data and longer-term studies.

Abstract

The facilitation of STEM education can be enhanced by the provision of opportunities for learners to gain a better understanding of science through the utilization of tangible and visual examples. The objective of this work is to present an account of our experiences and activities carried out in Italian schools with this novel approach. The selection of projects and experiences discussed --in which students develop a range of core competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, prototyping, communication and problem-solving; include tangible complex 3D printed structures, large micro-controller board replicas and the visualization of wind dynamics and tiny invisible elementary particles among others. These hands-on experiences demonstrate the benefits on the use of digital fabrication technologies implemented within a FabLab for STEM learning.

Hands-on STEM Learning Experiences using Digital Technologies

TL;DR

This paper investigates how hands-on, visually-rich STEM learning can be broadened through FabLabs and digital fabrication in Italian schools and public events. Using a SciFabLab in Trieste, the authors describe a portfolio of prototypes—ranging from 3D-printed objects and cloud chambers to mechanical clocks, a giant Galton board, an AR Sandbox, and AI-driven 2D-to-3D visualization—to illustrate tactile learning. Additionally, they present school-oriented implementations, such as a large microcontroller board replica and Tubora wind-tunnel experiments, to support inclusive access and practical experimentation. These examples demonstrate feasibility, inclusivity, and potential for scaling digital fabrication-based STEM education, while highlighting the need for broader data and longer-term studies.

Abstract

The facilitation of STEM education can be enhanced by the provision of opportunities for learners to gain a better understanding of science through the utilization of tangible and visual examples. The objective of this work is to present an account of our experiences and activities carried out in Italian schools with this novel approach. The selection of projects and experiences discussed --in which students develop a range of core competencies such as collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, experimentation, prototyping, communication and problem-solving; include tangible complex 3D printed structures, large micro-controller board replicas and the visualization of wind dynamics and tiny invisible elementary particles among others. These hands-on experiences demonstrate the benefits on the use of digital fabrication technologies implemented within a FabLab for STEM learning.
Paper Structure (14 sections, 10 figures)

This paper contains 14 sections, 10 figures.

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Previous works
  3. Some STEM prototypes for all
  4. 3D STEM objects
  5. Highly visual cloud chamber---Physics in action!
  6. Galileo and Leonardo mechanical clocks
  7. Giant Galton board
  8. Augmented Reality Sandbox
  9. 2D-to-3D image conversion via Artificial Intelligence (AI) model
  10. Some STEM prototypes for schools
  11. Large microcontroller board replica
  12. DIY lift generator for STEM: Tubora
  13. Discussion
  14. Conclusions

Figures (10)

  • Figure 1: Left: Examples of complex 3D printed mathematical structures. Right: Scale model of a giant, extinct elephantid genus Mammuthus.
  • Figure 2: Typical particle tracks in a cloud chamber device (left). the full video is available at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwyLzqrRJbw. Right: Public interest on the DIY cloud chamber.
  • Figure 3: OpenSCAD design of a Galileo mechanical clock (left). The video demonstration is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6B1bxgxAc4. Right: Leonardo mechanical clock. The video demostration is available at: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/g4hkIHu89kE.
  • Figure 4: Giant Galton board of descent ping-pong balls.
  • Figure 5: The Sandbox unit (left) which displays a mountain with a crater lake, surrounded by several smaller lakes (right). This tool is an invaluable resource for educators and learners alike, facilitating the acquisition of knowledge and understanding in the domains of topography, geography, natural sciences and water flow.
  • ...and 5 more figures