Universal Design for Learning Science: Reframing Elementary Instruction in Physical Science

Here’s good news: With this practical book, you can learn from experienced elementary school educators about how to make physical science both challenging and accessible for a diverse range of students. Written by teachers for teachers, Universal Design for Learning Science will inspire you to reframe your lessons to reflect how students learn and to support the success of all students. The book is divided into three parts: • Rethinking instruction. The focus is on the 5E Learning Cycle (engage, explore, explain, extend, and evaluate) and Universal Design for Learning, a systematic way to plan for and support diverse learners. You’ll see how using these two frameworks can provide challenging, inquiry-based experiences for all students that support the Next Generation Science Standards. • Learning by example. Through nine real-world vignettes, current and former teachers provide you with insights for teaching science in general, and in particular to kids with special needs. The teachers spotlight a variety of students―including struggling learners, differently abled students, and those with executive functioning challenges―as they demonstrate how strategies from the frameworks can knock down obstacles to learning. • Applying the frameworks. Additional resources include practical tools and techniques that work in the classroom, in teacher education contexts, and in professional development workshops. And here’s even better news: Universal Design for Learning Science proves that implementing these frameworks doesn’t require adopting a new curriculum. As the authors write, this book shows how you can use your existing curricula and resources while “identifying barriers to learning and possible solutions―in other words, using a sharper knife, a bigger fork, or a deeper spoon to more effectively deal with what’s already on your plate!”

Dr. Hanuscin is a former elementary teacher and informal science educator. She worked at the University of Missouri for 13 years before joining the faculty at Western in 2017, where she is jointly appointed in Elementary Education and the Science, Math, & Technology Education (SMATE) program in the College of Science and Engineering. Her research has been supported by multiple grants through the National Science Foundation. Dr. Hanuscin has published over 50 articles and numerous book chapters. Her most recent book, co-authored with Dr. Delinda van Garderen and classroom teachers, Universal Design for Learning Science focuses on inclusive practices for teaching elementary science and is available through NSTA Press.