1 Part Academic Skill + 1 Part Functional Skill + High Interest Subject Matter =DYNAMIC LESSON! Many of the ASOL’s lend themselves well to being combined with functional skills. These ASOLs also have the potential to be taught in fun and exciting ways.
Finding the time and resources to effectively teach the Aligned Standards of Learning (ASOLs) and functional skills can be more of an art than a science. But, alas, science is a subject that we are charged with teaching. Here is a formula to consider:
1 Part Academic Skill + 1 Part Functional Skill + High Interest Subject Matter =DYNAMIC LESSON!
Many of the ASOL’s lend themselves well to being combined with functional skills. These ASOLs also have the potential to be taught in fun and exciting ways. You may even find that you are teaching many of the aligned standards without even realizing it. Below are just a few of the many possibilities.
Scientific Investigation
S-SI 5 a: The student will plan and conduct investigations in which predictions and observations are made.
Activity: Assist your students in creating and conducting a poll of classmates, teachers, and school peers. Topics may include favorite cafeteria food, favorite school subject, or favorite singer/band. Prior to conducting the poll, ask each student to predict which choice will receive the greatest number of votes. This is a great opportunity to encourage interaction with age-appropriate peers in the school. When necessary, create symbols for each choice in the poll and include them on printed cards or augmentative communication devices and switches.
Matter
S-M 2 a The student will investigate and understand how different common materials interact with water. Key concepts include: some materials float in water, while others sink.
Activity: Many students enjoy water play. Perhaps you even have a water table in your classroom. If not, you can use a sink, large bucket, or a small inflatable pool from a dollar store. Ask students to place a single object in the water and observe whether it sinks or floats. Be sure to allow students to make a prediction before placing each object in the water. Print the words and symbols for “sink” and “float” and make them available, as necessary, on cards or switches. This is also a great opportunity to allow students to bring, and use, show and tell items from home.
Force, Motion, and Energy
S-FME 2 The student will investigate and understand that moving objects exhibit different kinds of motion.Key concepts include: pushes or pulls can change the movement of an object.
Activity: This activity lends itself well to collaboration with physical therapy, occupational therapy, and physical education. Students constantly interact with objects that are pushed or pulled (balls, wheelchairs, toy cars, scooters, wagons). Be creative! Since students are manipulating many of these items anyway, take the opportunity to teach the ASOL concept.
Additional Activities
T-TAC Online has many more (broken link) suggested activities for Science as well as other content area ASOLs. The activities have been created by teachers who have used them successfully in their classes.