Science for Students with Visual Impairment: An Analysis of Hands-on Activity

Abstract

Science courses are considered to be one of the most difficult courses since they contain difficult and abstract concepts for the individual who needs special education. Because traditional science teaching is mostly based on visual teaching. However, an effective science education can be done by making instructional adaptations and taking into account the individual needs of the students. In this study, the science activities and materials prepared by taking into consideration the needs of the students with visual impairment using the case study of qualitative research methods were made. the study sample consisted eight students including three blind and five students with low vision. The Activity Evaluation Scale (AES) was used to collect data. At the end, activities and materials were evaluated by teacher and independent researchers. In order to ensure the reliability of the study, the videos which were recorded during the course separately analyzed by the researchers, the AES was filled and then the analyses of the researchers were compared. As a result, it was determined that the science activity and materials prepared for the students with visual impairment can be useful in teaching the concepts of heat conductor and heat insulator.