Date of Award
Summer 8-14-2023
Document Type
Honors Thesis
Department/Major
Biology
First Advisor
Dr. Christopher V. Anderson
Second Advisor
Dr. Saige Kelmelis
Third Advisor
Prof. Scott Druecker
Keywords
3D Printing, 3D Modelling, Anatomy, CT, Education
Subject Categories
Integrative Biology
Abstract
As access to affordable 3D printing technologies increases, the use of Computed Tomography (CT) technologies is well positioned to contribute to the advancement of pedagogical experiences through the creation of physical models for teaching. Such complementary efforts may enhance broader impacts by simultaneously boosting the education system with a unique hands-on experience for students and providing an alternative to expensive osteological and other artificial models. Two 3D printed skull puzzles were created to aid in teaching human and vertebrate anatomy, and comparative osteology courses. After segmenting all the bones from each respective skull, the individual skeletal elements were 3D printed, dip-dyed, and magnets were attached to create disarticulated skulls, enhancing the overall learning experience. The models were presented to two undergraduate courses. A survey asked students to self-identify their learning style and their perspective of the presented model as a new learning resource. All participants regardless of learning style found the presented model to be a valuable resource for future use in the classroom. Following additional refinement, these models will be broadly disseminated to educators worldwide by uploading them to an open access online database with instructions on preparing the 3D puzzles.
Recommended Citation
Slack, Alexis, "Using µCT scans to create 3D skull puzzles as open-access pedagogical tools for anatomy and comparative osteology classes." (2023). Honors Thesis. 306.
https://red.library.usd.edu/honors-thesis/306