NASA’s Neurodiversity Network tapped two North Texas schools to pilot a solar science curriculum created with students with learning differences in mind.
“All students need to experience things to truly understand them,” Dallas Academy Principal Mandi Skerbetz said. “Students with learning differences need that even more.
Dallas Academy and Shelton are testing the lessons and activities to see what works best for students and teachers. The group made sure to include different ways students can interact with the materials to help them absorb the information. For example, videos, visual guides and activities offer a variety of visual, auditory and kinesthetic opportunities for students to learn about the eclipse in a way that best works for them.
Monday will be a half-day for Dallas Academy students. Ahead of the eclipse, those in Scott’s class will build a sunspotter out of a shoebox to take home and view the eclipse with their families. “I pride myself on being a huge science nerd,” she admitted. “Having a chance to share this excitement with my students added more excitement for them.”