Meeting Abstract

P3-52   -   Using µCT scans to create a 3D puzzle of a chameleon skull as an open access pedagogical tool Slack, AM*; Anderson, CV; University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD; University of South Dakota, Vermillion, SD alexis.slack@coyotes.usd.edu

With growing emphasis on digitizing museum specimens and increased access to affordable 3D printing technologies, biological research involving Computed Tomography (CT) technologies of anatomical features can directly contribute to advancing pedagogical experiences by creating physical models for teaching. Such complementary initiatives may boost the education system by providing a more hands-on experience for students while also enhancing our examination of comparative morphology in research. These 3D printed models could be particularly useful in anatomy classes by providing an alternative to expensive taxidermy and other artificial models, thereby increasing the availability of physical learning tools in the classroom to a broad range of demographics as these printers become more affordable. Using an existing dataset of µCT scans of chameleon specimens originally collected to examine comparative skeletal anatomy of the family, we have created a 3D puzzle of the skull of one chameleon specimen to aid in teaching squamate cranial morphology. By segmenting all the bones from the skull and lower jaw, each skeletal element can be individually 3D printed to create a disarticulated skull that students can learn to reconstruct. These prints are individually dip-dyed to color code different bones and small magnets are inserted into the printed components to aid students in learning from the reconstruction of the skull and enhance the overall learning experience. Such models can then be uploaded to online 3D databases with instructions on preparing the 3D puzzle for broad dissemination to educators worldwide and enhanced broader impacts associated with biological research in anatomy.