The use of velcro in Special Needs Science Lessons

ByPatrick Organ and Barbara WatsonThe Forest School, Knaresborough.

How is velcro used at Forest School?

•Versatile Displays

•Lesson schedules

•Reading scales – number lines.

• Putting the resources on show

Versatile Displays – the periodic table

In this periodic table, each element is on a laminated piece of paper and attached by velcro.

Versatile Displays – the periodic table

This means that far more use can be made of it…..

In this example the symbol for hydrogen has been replaced by a picture of an airship

Versatile Displays – the periodic table

Pupils can be asked to find particular elements

Or even to identify particular groups.

So which elements make up a hydrocarbon?

Versatile Displays – the water cycle

There are many interactive water cycles on the web.This one is from the BBC schools website.

Versatile Displays – the water cycle

There are many interactive water cycles on the web.This one is from the BBC schools website. The website lets you label the different

processes.

Versatile Displays – the water cycle

The pupils made their own version, using velcro labels.

Versatile Displays – the water cycle

They could then use their labels to complete their diagram….

and also use them when discussing and observing the phenomena in the lab.

Versatile Displays – science equipment

Equipment labels can be a teaching resource if velcro is used.

This display uses two columns of “hook” and “fluff” next to each other. The photograph of the piece of apparatus is placed next to its name and picture.

Versatile Displays – science equipmentThey can then be used to help pupils collect the correct equipment

Versatile Displays – science equipmentOr they can be used for activities – who has got the Bunsen burner?

Can you match the picture to the name?

Having the hook and fluff on each one lets you put them together.

Lesson Schedules

and for the whole class

They can be made for the individual

Schedule boards have strips of velcro that allow you to attach pictures of the activities for the lesson.

Or the class as a whole

Reading Scales – number lines

Understanding number value is an important skill.

Number lines help pupils see if a value has gone up or down.

Reading Scales –number lines

The scales can be chosen to match the instrument.

You could even use negative values.

Putting the resources on show

If you have a resource that looks good, why not turn it into a display?

Putting the resources on show

Attaching them with velcro means you can use them when you want to.

Thank you!