Adaptation of Chemistry Experiments for Middle School Blind or Visually Impaired Students

• Published in: Journal of chemical education Vol. 100; no. 6; pp. 2262 - 2268
• Main Authors: Rashid, Ibtisam, Chehadeh, Dduha
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Easton American Chemical Society and Division of Chemical Education, Inc 13.06.2023; American Chemical Society
• Subjects: Adaptive technology; Arabic language; Chemistry; Educational Technology; Experiments; Hands on Science; Influence of Technology; Laboratory Experiments; Middle Schools; Science Experiments; Student attitudes; Student Participation; Students; Students with disabilities; Teaching methods; Visual impairment; Visual Impairments; Hands-On Learning/Manipulatives; Computer-Based Learning; Laboratory Equipment/Apparatus; Elementary/Middle School Science
• ISSN: 0021-9584; 1938-1328
• DOI: 10.1021/acs.jchemed.3c00016

Hands-on chemistry experiments often stimulate students’ curiosity about this subject, but blind or visually impaired (BVI) students usually do not get to participate in such hands-on activities. Thanks to adaptive methods and assisting technology, BVI students can actively participate in chemistry experiments. In this study, chemical laboratory experiments were modified and tested on BVI students. These adaptations use Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest, associated sensors, and other tactile tools. This article explains the procedures to conduct the experiments and presents practical ways to introduce assistive technology to enhance learning. We encourage accommodating Arabic language into the Sci-Voice Talking LabQuest.