The use of velcro in Special
Needs Science Lessons
By
Patrick Organ and Barbara Watson
The 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In this example the symbol for hydrogen has been
replaced by a picture of an airship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 equipment
They can then be used to help
pupils collect the correct
equipment
Versatile Displays – science equipment
Or 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
Schedule boards have strips of
velcro that allow you to attach
pictures of the activities for the
lesson.
and for the whole class
They can be made for
the individual
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!