Science

Online science information, simulations, and virtual labs are particularly helpful for students with disabilities. Text-to-speech tools (check out the UDL section) provide audio support for students struggling to read scientific text. Many students with learning disabilities benefit from the ability to easily repeat experiments using visual simulations and virtual labs. Students with physical limitations often have to use a computer for all their work, including science experiments.

Getting Started

1. Enchanted Learning Science Dictionary . http://www.enchantedlearning.com/science/dictionary/ . science for early learning
2. edHelper . http://www.edhelper.com/ . collection of printable learning activities
3. Steps of the Scientific Method . basic overview of the scientific method with a nice visual diagram of the process . http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_scientific_method.shtml
4. Planning a Science Project . an in-depth look at the basic scientific method and guide for planning a science project . http://www.sciserv.org/isef/primer/scientific_method.asp
5. Science Fair Project Guide . comprehensive set of resources to help students plan and complete a great science project . http://www.sciencebuddies.org/science-fair-projects/project_guide_index.shtml

Experiments

1. M&M Survival Challenge . simple and fun experiment that demonstrates the concept of camouflage and the “survival of the fittest” using M&Ms . http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas/Zoo_p012.shtml
2. Science Experiments / Project Ideas . extensive list of science experiment and project ideas . http://www.sciencebuddies.org/mentoring/project_ideas.shtml

Physical Science

1. Motion Basics . an overview of the basics of motion . don’t forget that students can use text-to-speech tools to hear this content read aloud . http://www.physics4kids.com/files/motion_intro.html
2. How Stuff Works . targets acoustics, energy, forensic science, nuclear science, optics, and physics . http://science.howstuffworks.com/physical-science-channel.htm
3. Frank Potter’s Science Gems . broad collection of links to physical science web resources . http://www.sciencegems.com/physical.html
4. Soda Play . a collection of applets for building online working models with motion based on the control of friction, gravity, and muscle energy . http://www.sodaplay.com/create

Life Science

1. DNA From the Beginning . an animated primer on the basics of DNA, genes, and heredity . http://www.dnaftb.org/dnaftb/
2. DNA Interactive . lesson plans and classroom activities . free registration for teachers . http://www.dnai.org/

Earth & Space Science

1. Windows to the Universe . content lessons on our planet, solar system, and the universe. each lesson is available in 3 different reading levels and in English or Spanish . http://www.windows.ucar.edu/
2. Starry Night . extremely realistic astronomy simulation software with activities for K-12 . http://www.starrynightstore.com/

Virtual Labs / Simulations

1. NASA Virtual Scanning Electron Microscope . a complete simulation of a scanning electron microscope that enables the user to zoom in and focus on a variety of built in microscopic samples . http://learn.arc.nasa.gov/vlab/index.html
2. Virtual Chemistry Lab . select from hundreds of standard reagents and manipulate them just like in a real lab . http://www.chemcollective.org/applets/vlab.php
3. Sunburst Virtual Labs : Workshop (Win . Mac9) Electricity (Win . Mac9) & Kinetic Energy (Win . Mac9) . excellent software virtual labs for doing electricity and light experiments . students can build circuit boards and watch changes in the flow of electricity as they make changes in the circuit board . get the full programs from http://www.ccvsoftware.com
4. NOVA Interactives . a wide variety of online interactive activities that can be used to demonstrate principles in the areas of space science, earth science, technology, and other areas of interest . http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/hotscience/
5. Online Technology Exploration Activities . fun online activities that explore technology, such as robotics and how computers work . http://www.omsi.edu/visit/tech/activities.cfm
6. ExploreLearning . extensive online set of science simulations and visualizations . each simulation can be used for free for up to 5 minutes per session . http://www.explorelearning.com
7. Froguts . virtual frog dissection software with an online interactive demo . http://www.froguts.com/flash_content/index.html

Technology

Digital QX5 Computer Microscope . USB microscope for viewing microscopic organisms on a computer screen or projected on a large screen . includes software for capturing still images as well as time-lapse video . students can also use the presentation software included to create multimedia presentations . http://digiblue.com/digital_blue/qx5.html

Tip - Need a quick way to enlarge small objects, plants, insects, etc.? Use a regular photo scanner. Place a transparency on the glass surface to protect it from any scratches and then place the object on the transparency. Leave the lid open and lay a sheet of paper over the object you are scanning. Scan it into an image editing program at 300 to 600 dpi. You will then be able to view on screen, project, or print out a very large version of the scanned object.

HOBO Data Logger . portable data collection probes that can be programmed while connected to a computer then disconnected to be used to record changes in temperature, light, and other stimuli . recorded data can be transferred back into a computer and converted into colorful, easy to read graphs . http://69.16.224.70/