Activity
Scientific Method Review
An activity to review the steps of the scientific method for students who are visually impaired.
As students complete science projects, it is valuable to review the steps of the scientific method prior to the completion of the project board by having students make a smaller version of the science project board. For students with a visual impairment the project board completion can be utilized as a review.
This idea came out of a conversation that Kate Fraser and I had at POSB. Thanks, Kate!
- Perkins Braillewriter or PC with Duxbury
- braille paper
- copy paper
- computer
- removable double sided-tape
Prepare copies of the following steps of the scientific method in the appropriate reading medium for each student:
- Question
- Research
- Hypotheses
- Experiment
- Results and Conclusion
These terms can be either simplified or made more advanced depending on the levels of the student. See variations for simpler wording.
Cut out the terms so that each term is on a separate strip of paper (See picture)
- As students enter class each student (braille and print) should have a piece of 8.5″X11″ braille paper at his/her desk. Print students may wonder why they have a piece of braille paper. Assure them that you have not made a mistake, but that they will be using braille paper today.
- Warm up: Give each student the steps of the scientific method out of order. Have him/her place them in correct order.
- Discuss the order. If students have not correctly placed them in order, spend time discussing why the process occurs in this manner. One common mistake is placing research in the wrong order in the process. Remind students that the hypothesis is based on reserach completed. Take time to talk about research that they completed for their project if warranted.
- Guided: Assist students to fold the braille paper into a tri-fold board. Expain that the steps of the scientific method will be placed from left to right across the board.
- Place double-sided tape on the back of the strips. Students will now glue them down on the board from left to right across the braille paper.
- Closure: Students will summarize (either orally or in written form depending on time and ability) the steps of their own projects based on the scientific method.
If a more kinesthetic activity is desired, students could each be given a card with one step of the scientific method listed taped to his/her back. Students would read the other students backs and place themselves in the correct order. Discussion of the scientific method would then occur.
The activity would then proceed with students placing all steps on individual pages as per the procedure.
By Laura Hospitál
