Where the mind’s eye and science come together

PINELLAS COUNTY, Fla. — Lighthouse of Pinellas, a nonprofit that offers services to children and adults with blindness and low vision, hosted “Space 4 All STEM Day,” an event that highlights accessible science for blind and visually impaired youth.

The event is the result of a partnership between a coalition of organizations that includes NASA, the Tampa Bay Times Newspapers in Education and the Tampa Bay STEM Network.

On Saturday, students at Lighthouse of Pinellas became engineers.

They learned how to design airplanes using a sound-source target and took part in a lunar lander engineering challenge to see how spacecraft touch down on the moon’s surface.

And for a little excitement, they launched rockets capable of blasting up to 200 ft into the sky.

Lighthouse of Pinellas Marketing and Outreach Director Kayla Terrel said it’s important that children know that being blind or visually impaired doesn’t mean they can’t thrive in the world of science and technology.

And the cool thing is, many of the kids have already had a test run.

“Space 4 All STEM Day” takes place in Pinellas County. (Spectrum News)

“These are all done by a 3D printer,” said Terrel, picking up three animal-shaped figurines — just one of many skills learned through the Lighthouse’s Work Experience Program. 

“They got to learn the 3D printer programs through the computers, and some of them are totally blind, so they had screen readers read to them and tell them what to do to create these designs,” she explained.

Then, using 3D printers, they transformed those creations into tangible products.

“It’s an opportunity for them to explore different job opportunities and experiences and that they aren’t limited,” she said.

Which is perfect for 10-year-old Samuel Volpy

“I really do like space and science because it’s one of those things where I like to learn,” he said with a huge smile on his face. “You get to understand the world around you.”

And considering he wants to be a pilot, getting a head start can’t hurt.

“I really do like airplanes, and I like to fly to different places, and my favorite part about it is the landing,” he said.

Through physical touch, form and aided by sound, these students are beginning their journeys into the world of science, engineering and technology, and proving to themselves that the sky really isn’t the limit.

And you never know — Samuel might just be the next “Top Gun.”