Multisensory Science Instruction

Science by nature is hands-on and visual which makes it easy to teach in a multisensory manner. “A growing body of research evidence suggests free-choice learning contributes greatly to public understanding of science in America” (Kola-Olusanya, 2005). Free-choice learning opportunities improve a student’s level of interest in learning. If a child is provided “multiple ways of achieving the same competencies.. students can choose the one they’re best at” (Dahl, 2005). In other words, if content is provided through multiple representations, and a child is given learning choices, he is likely to focus on the learning representation that is of most benefit to him, thereby increasing the child’s ability to learn.

Science is all around a child, and can easily be explored by taking apart a flower, using a field guide to identify as many species as possible, conducting experiments, and talking about experiences related to science. There are many highly visual books about science topics. For more hands-on visual experiences, you can take your child to museums, nature centers, zoos, aquariums, planetariums, National parks, science centers, etc. You can go exploring almost anywhere with Field Guides or Usborne Spotter's Guides (links open in a new window), which are visually rich texts.

For additional multisensory science learning, you might consider videos or DVDs. The New National Geographic DVDs cover Animals & Wildlife, Exploration, Science, and Nature. Science kits are also a great choice for multisensory learning. Kits usually include hands-on explorations, written materials, and sometimes include multimedia CD-roms or videos. In the "Resources" section at the end of this tutorial, I've included information on where you can acquire good hands-on science materials to help create multisensory learning opportunities.