Planetarium program for the visually impaired students in Thailand

Presentation theme: inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility

Planetarium programs are normally strictly considered a visual experience. This study done by the National Astronomical Research Institute of Thailand (NARIT) aims to develop a suitable planetarium program that could provide visually impaired students with an experience suited to their unique requirements. The program utilizes a mixture of approaches such as auditory stimuli, tactile 3D models, spatial awareness, and size comparison to educate and entertain participants in upper elementary schools across Thailand. Activities include making a scale model of the solar system with clay, modeling the Sun’s movement across the sky using a handheld object, and learning constellations through tactile planetarium model. Pre-assessment interviews have shown that most students show curiosities in experiencing a planetarium and could repeat the scientific concept behind many astronomical phenomena, but lack true understanding behind what the concept truly means. Preliminary results have shown that the implementation of interactive methodologies and integration of tactile models is successful in stimulating comprehension, understanding, and further enthusiasm from the participants. Students were able to learn that the day-night cycle is a result of the rotation of the Earth, that stars in the sky can be grouped into constellations, and were curious as to why rocky planets tend to be more similar in sizes, etc. The activity was well received by both the students and participating schools. Participants were able to focus almost entirely during the program without losing interest and even expressed their interest in their discussion during lunch after the program. The success of this program is a testament to the potential and viability of accessibility in planetarium programs suited for visually impaired individuals.

Image © SPB | Natalie Toczek