Description Teaching Elementary Science in Inclusive Classrooms is a science education program at The University of Texas at Brownsville designed to prepare elementary teachers to teach science to students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. Teaching Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Settings presents information on inclusive education for students with disabilities. Characteristics of various handicapping conditions are examined as well as appropriate instructional modifications related to science. The participants are taught adaptations to use in teaching students with disabilities so that they may obtain and use scientific information. An emphasis is placed on the contributions to the field of science made by individuals with disabilities and particularly those from minority backgrounds.
Participants gain an appreciation of the untapped abilities of future South Texas scientists.
Teaching Science to Special Populations includes information on teaching inquiry science in classrooms of diversity. Topics include adaptations and modifications of science curricula, activities to engage all learning modalities and multiple intelligences, cooperative groups in lab investigations, planning for safety in the science laboratory, and strategies and techniques for disruptive behaviors. Participating teachers take part in hands-on science activities designed for students with disabilities, and assist elementary students in the design of science projects. The course includes a field experience component during which students work with cooperating teachers to teach science to students with disabilities in inclusive classrooms. During the two courses, participants develop science instructional modules for use in public schools.