With the establishment of 10 Braille trail stations, the Science-Sense project transforms an outdoor classroom into an area in which all students can expand their environmental education. Visually impaired children experience nature through the use of their other senses.
Sighted peers share the same experiences as they walk through the trail blindfolded.
Children follow a guide rope and pause at the 10 stations to experience the scents, sounds, and textures of plants, seeds, arachnids, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, rocks, and minerals. Each station is identified with signs in both standard print and Braille, cassette tapes, and brochures. The project informs students about the health threats posed by environmental pollution of water, soil, and air. Students develop their awareness of career opportunities available in both health and the environmental sciences by exploring scientific information through computer software and the Internet, conducting hands-on exercises, and experiencing field trips to laboratories and water treatment plants, as well as other related activities. The models, through which long-term processes can be demonstrated in a short period of time, use granulated plastic to simulate particles of soil or sand.