Teaching Science to Students With Learning Problems in the Elementary Classroom

Abstract

Because of recent legislation, students with mild disabilities frequently receive science instruction in the general education classroom. Elementary teachers therefore have the challenge of teaching science to children with a wide range of abilities and preparing them to pass the federally mandated assessments in science. The emphasis in the general education science curiculum is on high-level cognitive skills which is challenging for students with learning problems. This article reviews characteristics of students with learning and behavior problems and then presents some ideas for practice to help these students and their teachers have a positive experience.

Keywords:

• instructional modifications
• learning problems
• mild disabilities
• science