Science Adaptations

By: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com
Updated June 26, 2025
​Students who are blind or have low vision often require accommodations to safely and meaningfully access the science curriculum. Collaboration with the Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI) is an essential first step in ensuring access. Below is a breakdown of practical strategies and tools to support inclusion and engagement in science education:

​Instructional Strategies and Accommodations

Use of Low Vision Devices
Encourage students to use prescribed low vision tools such as magnifiers or monoculars during hands-on activities. These can support tasks such as:
  • Examining rock or shell collections
  • Comparing fingerprints
  • Observing nature during field studies or hikes
Encourage Visual Efficiency
Support students in using their functional vision by incorporating activities that build visual skills:
  • Collecting objects of a single color for classification
  • Using “I Spy” boxes with themed materials
  • Observing changes such as melting ice or plant growth
Embed Concept Development
Intentionally include concepts like:
  • Size, texture, quantity, temperature, moisture, smell, taste, and sound
  • Positional terms (e.g., above, below, beside)
  • Following multi-step directions during experiments
Offer Diverse Materials for Exploration
Provide real materials and tools to encourage direct interaction:
  • Natural objects: rocks, shells, leaves, seeds
  • Tools: magnifiers, rulers, color paddles, tactile measuring devices
  • Living organisms: class pets or plants for observation and care
Use Tactile Graphics and 3D Models
Start with real objects when possible and supplement with tactile diagrams and models. Resources from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH) and other vendors offer a wide range of science-specific materials.

Tactile Graphics and Models

Picture of DNA twist.
DNA Twist (APH) – Foam model of DNA with contrasting textures and colors to illustrate base-pairing.
Picture of basic tactile anatomy atlas
​Basic Tactile Anatomy Atlas (APH) – Two-volume tactile overview of human body systems.
Picture of basic science tactile graphics
Basic Science Tactile Graphics (APH) – Raised-line graphics covering common elementary science concepts.
Picture of Life science tactile graphics
Life Science Tactile Graphics (APH) – Tactile images of life science content for middle and high school.
Picture of Sense of Science: Plants kit from APH
Sense of Science: Plants (APH). Includes raised-line overlays including bean seed cross-section, flower, leaf, tree, etc.
Picture of Sense of Science: Animals by APH
Sense of Science: Animals 
(APH)  Includes  colorful, raised-line overlays including an ant, bird, fish, life cycle of a frog, etc.
Picture of Sense of Science: Astronomy
Sense of Science: Astronomy (APH) Includes raised-line overlays, vocabulary, a step-by-step procedures, extended activities, visual adaptations, math and language connections, and science tidbits. 
 Picture of Periodic Table of Elements by APH
Periodic Table of the Elements Reference Chart and Booklet (APH) Durable print-braille reference chart with companion booklet.
Picture of Azer's Interactive Periodic Table by APH
Azer's Interactive Periodic Table Study Set ​(APH) Hands-on study set exploring periodic trends, atomic structure, bonding, and equations.
Picture
Tactile Vision Graphics Supplier of detailed tactile diagrams including the heart, brain, nervous system, and more.

Technology and Measurement Tools

Picture
A Liquid Level Indicator provides auditory feedback when the liquid nears the top.
 Picture of talking digital thermometer
The digital thermometer allows students with no useful or low vision to independently measure with accuracy. 
Picture
Talking digital scales allow students to measure accurately.
 Picture
Video Microscope Displays magnified images on screens for students with low vision.

Innovative Tech: Haptic Learning

Novint Falcon (eTouchSciences) – A haptic device that lets students feel 3D science simulations. Apps include:
  • Exploring volcanoes
  • Feeling plant cell structures
  • Experiencing gravity differences on other planets
  • Understanding volume and surface area

Web Resources

  • Perkins School for the Blind hosts a site entitled "Accessible Science" with lesson plans, adaptations, and printable experiments across the science curriculum.
  • ​American Chemical Society Free materials and training on adapting chemistry content for students with disabilities.
  • MOLinsight Free software compatible with screen readers for exploring molecular structures and the periodic table.
  • ​​National Center for Blind Youth in Science Resources for adapting STEM instruction, locating accessible tech, and using nonvisual strategies.
  • ​Tactile Astronomy, a web resource from Amazing Space, is a downloadable tactile image library for microcapsule paper. It is a library of selected Hubble images that can be printed in a tactile format.

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