Dynamic 3D-Printed Models As Basic Medical Entomology Teaching Tools

Accessibility continues to be a concern in science classrooms. Technologies allow the fabrication of inclusive teaching tools that benefit students and teachers. 3-Dimensional models have been shown to significantly improve learning outcomes around insect identification, structure and morphology comprehension, and anatomical spatial awareness. Available models can be expensive or limited to digital use, reducing their scope of effectiveness and deployment. To fill these gaps, we present three 3D-printable dynamic models for foundational vector-biology study: (1) a hard tick internal and external anatomy model with removable layers and organs; (2) a hard tick chelicerae model with mobile palps, hypostome, and chelicerae; and (3) an adult mosquito mouthpart model with removable stylets. These models target known barriers to insect education, particularly spatial reasoning, by coupling higher than standard resolution accuracy with tactile interaction. These models will improve access for those who benefit from tactile resources, including visually impaired learners. We outline the straightforward printing and assembly process and release these models for use. We encourage educators, students, and researchers to adapt and extend these models to related topics to advance the accessibility toolkit for entomology training. Future work should build on classroom integration studies to make iterative improvements to meet accessibility needs.