Category Archives: STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math

Learners Creating Switches & Switch Activated Toys to Support Other Learners

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The students in the Computer Integrated Engineering Design (CEID) class at the Academies of Loudoun took on the challenge of designing and creating a variety of switches and toys activated by switches used by students with disabilities. A multidisciplinary team of educators worked in pairs to provide feedback on the designs. The students in the CEID class corresponded with the professionals to gather insights into desired aspects of the design of the devices. Then they developed prototypes and sent them to the supporting educator teams who invited students with disabilities to give feedback on the usefulness of the draft products. The student designers then made adjustments based on user feedback to improve the next iteration of switches and switch activated toys. This authentic learning experience resulted in the creation of sophisticated, functional tools used by students with and without disabilities to interact with toys, appliances, and other learning devices. The class was led by the Technology Resource Teacher, Amy Santos, and supported by the Makerspace Teacher, Josh Ajima. If you’d like to learn more about the project or if you’d like to implement something similar with learners you support, please contact the Assistive Technology Specialist, Chris Bugaj. 

A special thanks goes out to the educators who worked to support all the learners involved in this project including all of the following: 

  • Crystal Kick-Krisko, Occupational Therapist – Kenneth W. Culbert Elementary
  • Deborah Schwind, Occupational Therapist – Cedar Lane Elementary
  • Melissa Slusar, Former Resource Teacher – Cedar Lane Elementary
  • Emily Davis, Resource Teacher – Elaine E. Thompson Elementary
  • Katherine Rainier, Physical Education Teacher – Pinebrook Elementary
  • Leslie Hudson, Resource Teacher – Liberty Elementary
  • Jordan Wilner, Hearing Itinerant – Woodgrove High School
  • Katie Robertson, Specialist Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology
  • Joyce Sharp, Specialist Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology
    A screenshot of 3D printer software with a part ready to be printed.

    A screenshot of 3D printer software with a part ready to be printed.

    The hands of two teenagers working together to solder a piece of a switch. One holds the solder while the other holds the soldering iron.

    Two learners work together to solder wires on a component of a switch.

    Two teens solder a component of a switch. One holds the solder. The other holds the soldering iron. They work at a table surrounded by various parts, small containers, and tools. The table has a mat that is a grid of one inch squares. The edge of the mat is a ruler.

    Two learners solder a component of a switch on a makerspace work table.

    The hands of a teenager holding a 3D printed blue, octagonal switch plate. The surface is textured with a patterns of ridges. There are two holes for screws. One the table, below the switch, is a 3d printed, green, octagonal base with holes for screws that line up with the holes of the switch plate. A black component with a wire coming from it is glued to the base. The wire runs from the component, to a hole in the base. The wire is tied in a knot so, if pulled, will not come through the hole.

    The plate of a switch and the internal components in the base. Note the ridges on the surface to provide a unique texture.

    Two adult hand-sized, tactile switches placed on a wooden surface. The switch on the left is yellow and shaped like an octagon with a textured surface and two visible screws. The switch on the right is purple and yellow, shaped like a star, also with a textured surface and two visible screws. Both switches have cables connected to them. These switches are used as assistive technology devices for individuals with disabilities to interact with electronic devices.

    Two prototypes for switches. Notice the different colors, shapes, and textures.

    A technical drawing of a cubic device with various views and features labeled. The cube has dimensions of 84mm x 84mm x 84mm. The drawing includes six views of the cube:1. **Speaker View**: Shows the side with a circular speaker. 2. **Gears View**: Shows the side with interlocking gears. 3. **Texture 2 View**: Displays the side with a faceted geometric pattern. 4. **Bottom View**: Displays a plain side of the cube. 5. **Buttons + Power Switch View**: Shows the side with three rectangular buttons and a power switch. 6. **Texture 1 View**: Displays the side with a wavy pattern. An isometric view of the cube, showing the textured, button, and gear sides, is also included. The bottom of the drawing includes a title block with information such as the names Hirthik M., Adithya S., and David M., and the overall dimension is noted as 84mm³. The initials "AS" are marked on the drawing.

    Design sketches for a cube speaker

    This image shows a black plastic device with two interlocking gears mounted on a wooden surface. The larger gear is on the left, and the smaller gear is on the right. Each gear has a central bearing, and the larger gear has five spokes, while the smaller gear has a single spoke connecting to an arm. The device appears to be a mechanical assembly, used for educational or experimental purposes to demonstrate gear mechanics.

    The gears of a speaker box

    A black box-like device with a textured wavy pattern on the top surface and a faceted geometric design on the sides. On the front of the box, there are four rectangular buttons in different colors: red, yellow, green, and another red button. There are also two visible screws on the front panel. The device appears to be an electronic control box, used for educational, experimental, or assistive technology purposes.

    A 3D printed button activated speaker

    Approximately 24 teenage students standing on stairs smiling at the camera. They are all wearing blue shirts.

    The Makers!

Switch Creation by Students at Lightridge HS

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Some learners interact with items by pressing or otherwise activating a switch. With guidance from the Specialized Instructional Facilitator – Assistive Technology, seniors who participate in the Maker Space Club at Lightridge High School worked to create switches to be used to engage in a variety of activities. Once created, some of the switches were provided to adapted physical education teachers to be used in their lessons. This initiative not only amplified the hands-on learning experience of the seniors but also directly impacted the educational environment for students with physical disabilities. The project provided an authentic opportunity for students to apply their learning to promote inclusive education in a way that addresses a real-world challenge. If you’re interested in learning more about how something similar can be done at a school you support, contact your SIF-AT.

Two students from Lightridge HS are building switches

Two students from Lightridge HS building switches

Tracing Audio of Expressions in a Graph with Desmos

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The Audio Trace feature of Desmos allows a user to explore a graph using sound rather than or in addition to sight. Although primarily intended for individuals who are blind or visually impaired, it can be useful for anyone who might use sound to discover how one or more curves are graphed. To experience a basic summary of an expression on a particular graph press the key command ALT + S on a Chromebook or Windows computer (or OPTION + S on a Mac). Similarly, a user can experience an audio description of the graph axes (including whether the X and Y axes are displayed, their ranges and labels if available, the existence of grid lines, etc) by pressing ALT + G on a Chromebook or Windows computer (or OPTION + G on a Mac). Audio trace mode can be activated on a Chromebook or Windows computer by pressing ALT + T (or OPTION + T on a Mac). To learn more, explore this article titled Audio Trace for Expressions with a Graph by the Desmos accessibility team.

Speech Recognition to Create Equations in EquatIO

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The Speech Input feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts speech into equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Speech Input tool. Then, press the red circle button and speak the math equation or symbol. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Speech Input function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

 

Handwriting Recognition to Create Equations Using EquatIO

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The handwriting recognition feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO converts handwritten equations and other mathematical and scientific symbols into digital and accessible characters. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Handwriting Recognition tool. Then, using a finger, stylus, or any other conductive tool, write the math equation or symbol in the Handwriting area. The digital character will be generated on the right in the Math area which can then be inserted into a file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the Handwriting Recognition function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Creating Graphs Using Desmos and EquatIO

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The Google Chrome extension EquatIO invites users to create graphs using Desmos. The Equation Editor features of EquatIO allow a user to create equations that will populate a graph. The Equation Editor allows for various ways to create equations including typing with prediction, speech to math, and handwriting conversion. Users can then transfer the graph to another file, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to create graphs using EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Aligning Equations using EquatIO

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Learners sometimes make mistakes with math because they have not lined up the numbers properly. A strategy that might help is to use the Google Chrome extension EquatIO to automatically align the numbers. Use the Equation Editor in EquatIO to generate math on the first line. Press “Enter” to move the cursor to the second line. A series of icons will appear in the menu bar which can be used to align the math. The math will be aligned to the left by default Select Align Left, Align Center, Align Right, or Align by Relation based on need or preference. Aligning by relation will allow the user to align by the equal sign which will create another column in order for this to happen. At the time of  this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Completing Equations Using the Prediction Feature of EquatIO

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The prediction feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO invites users to begin to generate an equation and then choose from options to complete that equation. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the Equation Editor and begin typing any mathematical or scientific equation. EquatIO will display options of that the equation. The following video is a short demonstration of how the prediction feature works in EquatIO. At the time this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Capturing and Converting Equations in Videos and Beyond Using the EquatIO ScreenShot Reader

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Learners can capture handwritten equations in videos and other media using the ScreenShot Reader feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO and convert them into digital characters. Open a video, like one found on YouTube or in Google Drive. Select the EquatIO extension. When the toolbar opens at the bottom of the screen, select the ScreenShot Reader. Lasso the equation displayed on the screen. EquatIO will take a moment to scan and convert the equation. Once finished, the equation will automatically be read aloud. Using the three dots on the far right, users can choose to copy the converted equation and then paste it into another application, like a Google Doc. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the ScreenShot Reader function in EquatIO to capture, convert, copy, and then paste an equation. At the time this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.

Listening to Equations Using the EquatIO ScreenShot Reader

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Learners can listen to equations using the ScreenShot Reader feature of the Google Chrome extension EquatIO. Select ScreenShot Reader and lasso the equation or equations to be read aloud. EquatIO will take a moment to scan and convert the equation. Once finished, the equation will automatically be read aloud. Any learner who can listen to the equation can now have the equation provided in an auditory format. The following video is a short demonstration of how to use the ScreenShot Reader function in EquatIO. At the time of this blog post’s publication, EquatIO is available to every learner in Loudoun County Public Schools.