Chemistry Tools and Concepts

• Application Form
• Program Descriptions

Experiment underway:  Partners alternate tasks of handling lab tools and managing interactive software.

Reading an accessible Periodic Table

Making accurate measurements with tactile tools. 

June 13 - June 18

Sample Class Report

Chemistry Tools and Concepts is a special-focus class for braille-reading secondary students.  This class directly addresses a number of Science TEKS in §112.45 for Chemistry.  First preference will be given to students who plan to take Chemistry (or a similar lab science class) next year in their local schools.

The teacher is Cary Supalo, a blind chemist and innovator from Pennsylvania State University, whose message to students is, “Yes, you CAN participate fully in the Chemistry lab!” 

The major goal of this class is to provide a “very hands-on science laboratory learning experience” for all participants. It has been found that greater hands-on science laboratory learning experiences lead to increased interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.  In this class, students will find the concepts, skills, and—for the first time—the tools that allow non-visual access to laboratory tools.  Braille-reading students no longer are limited to being the “recorder” in science labs.

Focus areas of the class include (but are not limited to):

• Using an accessible Periodic Table
• Reading and writing Braille Chemical Notation
• Using essential lab tools such as a pH sensor and conductivity probe, made accessible with JAWS. 
• Practicing Lab Safety:  All safety protocols as recommended by the American Chemical Society (ACS) will be implemented for this class. This includes the use of safety goggles and proper dress code, which means that no open-toe footwear and no shorts will be allowed, and no eating, drinking, or chewing of gum can take place in the laboratory.  

Students attending the class must have basic skills with JAWS, and should be scheduled to take Chemistry (or a similar science class with a laboratory component) during school year 2010-2011.  

If applying for this class, list the science lab class the student is in this year and/or will take next year in the designated space at the bottom of your “Program Descriptions & Choices” page.  Also indicate if the student uses JAWS.

For information about program content, contact Margaret Edwards (512) 206-9476.
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For information about the application process, contact Cathy Olsen (512) 206-9182
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Attachments:

ChemistryReport.doc

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