Tactile Graphics for STEM Education
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education relies heavily on visual information. Diagrams, graphs, charts, models, equations, laboratory illustrations, and technical drawings all help explain complex concepts that may be difficult to communicate through text alone.
Tactile graphics help make many of these materials accessible by converting visual information into raised tactile formats that can be explored through touch. Used alongside braille, verbal instruction, physical models, and accessible teaching practices, tactile graphics help support STEM learning for students who are blind or visually impaired.
This article explores how tactile graphics are used throughout STEM education. It is not intended to establish educational standards or replace guidance from teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs), accessibility professionals, curriculum developers, or subject matter experts.
Making STEM More Accessible
Many STEM subjects depend on illustrations that explain relationships, movement, structure, measurements, and data. Tactile graphics provide another way for students to understand these concepts while participating alongside their classmates.
Accessible STEM materials may include:
- Scientific diagrams
- Mathematical graphs
- Engineering drawings
- Geometric figures
- Laboratory illustrations
- Charts and data visualizations
Science Education
Biology, chemistry, physics, earth science, and environmental science all rely on visual learning materials. Cell structures, anatomy, weather systems, ecosystems, chemical processes, and laboratory equipment can often be represented through tactile graphics that complement classroom instruction.
Schools and accessibility departments commonly produce these materials using Swell Touch paper processed through a Swell Form Machine, allowing diagrams to be updated as lessons change.
Technology and Engineering
Engineering and technology programs frequently use diagrams, flowcharts, schematics, component layouts, and technical illustrations. Tactile graphics can help make selected visual information more accessible while supporting classroom discussion and practical learning activities.
Educational publishers, universities, and organizations producing larger quantities of technical diagrams or accessible course materials may also benefit from the increased throughput offered by the Swell Form Pro Machine.
Mathematics
Mathematics often involves coordinate systems, graphs, geometry, equations, functions, and spatial relationships. Tactile graphics help communicate these concepts through raised lines, shapes, curves, and layouts that students can examine through touch.
Combined with braille mathematics and classroom instruction, tactile graphics provide another way to present mathematical information in accessible formats.
Laboratory Learning
Laboratory activities often require students to interpret equipment diagrams, safety information, experiment layouts, and procedural illustrations. Tactile graphics can supplement these materials while supporting accessible participation in laboratory environments.
The appropriate use of tactile graphics should always be determined by qualified educators based on the specific learning objectives and safety requirements of each activity.
Research and Higher Education
Colleges, universities, and research institutions increasingly produce accessible educational materials for students enrolled in STEM disciplines. Disability resource offices, accessibility departments, and publishers may create tactile graphics that accompany textbooks, presentations, laboratory manuals, and course materials.
Depending on production requirements, organizations may choose either the Swell Form Machine for on-demand production or the Swell Form Pro Machine when larger quantities of tactile graphics are needed.
Creating STEM Learning Materials
Heat-activated tactile graphics allow diagrams, graphs, and technical illustrations to be produced quickly using Swell Touch paper. Printed or hand-drawn black areas expand when processed through a Swell Form Machine, producing raised tactile graphics while preserving color for visual reference.
For classroom demonstrations, workshops, or prototype learning materials, Swell Touch Markers allow educators and accessibility professionals to create hand-drawn tactile graphics directly on Swell Touch paper.
Supporting Accessible STEM Education
Tactile graphics represent one component of accessible STEM education. They are commonly used alongside braille, audio description, physical models, accessible digital content, and instruction provided by qualified educators.
Zychem manufactures the equipment and materials used to produce heat-activated tactile graphics but does not establish educational methods, accessibility standards, or curriculum requirements.
Learn More
To learn more about tactile graphics and their applications, visit Applications of Tactile Graphics, Tactile Graphics in Education, Tactile Maps and Wayfinding, Tactile Graphics for Museums, What Is Swell Touch Paper?, and What Is a Swell Form Machine?.
Conclusion
Tactile graphics help make STEM education more accessible by providing raised representations of diagrams, graphs, technical illustrations, and scientific concepts. As schools, universities, publishers, and accessibility organizations continue expanding access to STEM education, dependable tactile graphics technology supports the efficient production of high-quality accessible learning materials.
