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Creating a sensory wall for students in the College of Education to use as a research tool
Creating a sensory wall for students in the College of Education to use as a research tool
Many special education programs use 3D sensory or tactile walls to help the students learn by providing stimulations and different sensory experiences, including auditory and visual. However, different kids with different learning disabilities will benefit from certain materials while other kids will not. Our partners from the College of Education were in need of a tactile wall that has a wide range of tiles so that they can use it as a research tool to find trends among the students and what materials are the most successful. We were tasked with creating a portable sensory wall with slots for interchangeable sensory tiles.
We began with some basic sketches and used them to create a rough prototype out of cardboard and duct tape. While it was a very simple structure, it was incredibly beneficial for learning how our assembly would come together and what the details of the design were going to be.Â
After the first prototype, we created a 3D CAD model using SolidWorks. Here we were able to envision the specifics of the design, and begin to implement proper measurements and attachment methods.
Next, we used the SolidWorks files to cut our wood using the laser cutter in the Engineering Design Studio. While there were definitely some flaws, this prototype was still valuable. We were able to identify the imperfections during the assembly and make changes in the CAD models before going into the final product.
We made adjustments to the SolidWorks models, finalized the dimensions, and sent the files to the laser cutter once more.
Here is our final structure. We also prepared about 20 blank tiles for the materials to be attached to.
Finally, we created 15 sample sensory tiles which had the materials attached by wood glue, super glue, or an industrial staple gun. Each tile has a small magnet in the back, allowing it to stick to the sheet metal.
Work in the Engineering Design Studio
Work in the Engineering Design Studio
For this project, my group spent many hours working together to create this sensory wall, and we greatly benefitted from our time in the Engineering Design Studio. This project was initiated by a group of students from the College of Education, in which they envisioned a research tool that could be used to help them learn more about sensory walls and their effects on children with special needs and learning disabilities. Those students, Calley West and Ashley Taylor, had done a semester's worth of research on sensory walls and how effective they are in promoting self-regulation. Not a lot of data has been collected from observing sensory walls being used in special education classrooms. With the work of Joey Rodoni, Miranda Nelson, and I, we were able to create a sensory wall structure that fits the needs of Calley and Ashley. They will begin to use it as a research tool once COVID restrictions are lifted and they are able to access elementary classrooms again.
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