;
Lorem Ipsum Dolor Spring 2016
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It is interesting to note the number of engineering topics. Most teachers
and students are unaware of the integration of engineering topics into the
NGSS, yet students readily selected engineering topics when given the
chance. Students were asked to select an area of interest to research. Many
spent time on the Internet perusing science fair websites, yet some selected
topics unusual for classic science fairs. The researchers were intrigued by the
topics specifically related to visual impairment and blindness: building a
tactile graphic board, sensory integration, sense of touch, and adapted
laboratory techniques for dissection. We also did not anticipate the social
science projects related to perception, learning, or stress. The older students
were evenly split between engineering projects and social science
investigations. Only one senior selected a life science topic, dissections. The
science
domain with the least number of projects was earth and space
science. We wondered if a lack of exposure to topics in this area in their
regular educational setting was at fault or if earth and space science was
particularly abstract/unknown to students with visual impairment.
Data indicate that students at the camp engaged in the inquiry process
by utilizing all eight of the science and engineering practices. Despite the fact
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