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UNIVERSITY OF BUCHAREST
FACULTY OF PHYSICS Guest
2026-06-11 23:58 |
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Conference: Bucharest University Faculty of Physics 2026 Meeting
Section: Atmosphere and Earth Science; Environment Protection
Title:
Hands-On Physics Education Using 3D-Printed and IoT-Based Scientific Tools
Authors:
Alexandru Catalin MACOVEI (1,2), Eduard NASTASE (1), Dragos TATARU (1), Mihai BONI (3)
Affiliation:
1) National Institute for Earth Physics
2) University of Bucharest, Faculty of Physics
3) National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics
E-mail
alexandrumacovei04@gmail.com
Keywords:
Educational Physics, STEM Education, Inquiry-Based Learning, Open Hardware, 3D Printing, IoT in Education, Hands-On Learning
Abstract:
This presentation explores the development and educational use of low-cost scientific instruments and digital tools for physics and Earth science outreach with students of different ages. Developed within educational initiatives such as STEAM-EXPERIENCE, ReConnect, and EASE, these tools integrate digital fabrication, microcontroller-based electronics, and inquiry-based learning to support hands-on STEM education in both formal and non-formal contexts.
The activities include the design and implementation of 3D-printed experimental devices and custom IoT systems, such as demonstrative seismometers, spectrometers, environmental monitoring stations, and sensor-based experiment kits using ESP32 microcontrollers. Particular emphasis is placed on the process of transforming research-inspired instrumentation into accessible educational resources suitable for repeated use in classrooms and workshops. The presentation discusses both the technical development process, including rapid prototyping, modular electronics, and iterative testing, and the pedagogical considerations involved in adapting these tools for learners ranging from middle school students to teachers participating in professional development activities.
Beyond the hardware itself, the presentation reflects on the author’s experience delivering workshops and training sessions to audiences with highly diverse educational backgrounds. Special attention is given to interactions between university students or young researchers serving as facilitators and experienced teachers encountering new technologies and teaching approaches. These experiences highlight the importance of collaborative, intergenerational learning environments, where technological fluency, pedagogical expertise, and experimentation complement one another.
The presentation argues that accessible, open, and reproducible educational technologies can strengthen engagement with physics and Earth sciences and help bridge gaps among research institutions, schools, and local communities. By combining hands-on experimentation with teacher support and adaptable workshop formats, such initiatives foster scientific literacy, curiosity, and practical STEM skills across educational levels.
Acknowledgement:
This work is supported by the QuakeQuest Immersive Educational Earthquake Simulation Project (PN-IV-P7-7.1-PED-2024-1386), funded by the Ministry of Education and Research through UEFISCDI
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