Science and visual impairment at P level 8

At P level 8 the observation of patterns or regular changes will need support, as will planning and evaluating.

Observing changes of light will depend on some vision, if a pupil has no vision then focus on other changes such as sound, movement, temperature and air-flow.

Sorting common materials will initially depend on their tactile features. Even if the pupil can identify the material through touch they will need to learn and remember what it can be used for – that plastic can hold water and paper can be written on.

Also read about the main challenges for visually impaired children across subject areas and suggestions for inclusion. 

 You can:

• Focus on cyclical events such as daily routines to help the pupil understand change patterns.  Use tactile patterns to support the idea of a sequence, with textured pictures depicting the cycle of sleeping, waking, eating and sleeping.
• Talk about longer term changes, such moving class as a pupil gets older or babies growing into children then adults.
• Work on observation of change using sound (volume control) and air-flow (air conditioning unit remote control or a simple fan with a switch).