AccessSTEM
Activity 2. Apple Stems
Activity 1. Nature's Balance
MESA Accessibility Supplement: Investigating Apples
In this unit, students use a balance beam to measure the mass of apples and use statistical tools to analyze data and present it graphically. The measurement activities will pose challenges to students with upper body mobility impairments, the mathematics may present challenges to some students with learning disabilities, and the graphing activities may require accommodations for students with visual impairments. Have students work with partners or in small groups so that each student can contribute according to his or her strengths.
Psychosocial Impairments
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Establish and honor classroom schedules and practices. Let the student know ahead of time of any changes to the classroom routines.
In group activities, assign the student to a group with supportive peers. Provide clear instructions so that students know exactly what is expected of them.
Help the student learn to anticipate situations that will be difficult and to plan in advance appropriate response strategies.
Mobility Impairments
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Assure that classrooms and labs are in wheelchair-accessible locations.
Because this unit involves manipulation of small objects, make adjustments for a student with upper body mobility impairment or fine motor coordination issues; sometimes working with a partner is effective. Also, consult lab design recommendations for students with mobility impairments at AssisTech.
Consider providing a note taker.
Low Vision
Consider the position, lighting, and seating needs of the student during presentations or when using text, manipulatives, transparencies or other projected images.
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Provide large-print lecture notes, handouts, and worksheets.
To find talking calculators, consult the National Federation of the Blind Independence Market Online.
Learning Disabilities
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Talking calculators may be appropriate for some students. For information on talking calculators, consult Independent Living Aids.
Allow extra time for assignments and exams. Provide alternative testing arrangements.
Minimize distractions as much as possible. Keep the classroom door closed, and seat the student with attention deficits away from windows and other distractions.
Hearing Impairments
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Provide a sign language interpreter, real-time captioning, and/or an FM system.
Use visual aids to explain concepts to the student.
Give assignments, lab instructions, and demonstration summaries in writing.
Use electronic mail for class and private discussions.
Consider the needs of students with disabilities during lab orientation and lab safety meetings.
Health Impairments
Request and encourage student input on how to best accommodate the student's learning needs.
Provide a mechanism for students to learn material and make up assignments that they missed because of absences.
Provide flexibility in scheduling and attendance.
Talk with the student and family about any impacts of class activities on the student. Let the student know well ahead of time of classroom activities that may present a problem.