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Symbols are used in everyday life to reinforce meaning
- we all use road signs and recognise logos, so it is
worth considering how we use symbols in science teaching.
In symbol supported text, each word has a symbol directly
above it and students can follow the symbols. This is
often used with students who find it difficult to follow
standard text, some of them relying on the symbols to
provide meaning. The rainforest interactive resource
includes images and information that is presented in
text and symbol supported versions. The other resources
provide ideas and examples on how you could be using
symbols in your teaching to clarify meaning and understanding.
How can you teach the difference between current and
voltage? Use symbols to help!
Throughout this section the symbols used are from Widgit
Software Ltd. More information and resources can be
found on their website at http://www.widgit.com/
The rainforest website can be used to review work on
ecological relationships and environmental issues, or
as a starting point for further research. It relates
to citizenship and global issues in science, since the
products we buy may be linked to rainforests and deforestation.
Students could be encouraged to note down key facts
and definitions to fuel class discussions. If used with
a digital projector/interactive white board, the class
could explore the rainforest together.
Those who have not seen symbol supported text before
should be encouraged to explore these resources. It
may make you think about how you use symbols and representations
to support your teaching.
The Rainforest resource has been developed from a small
section of the web-site by Twan Leender of Rara Avis,
the Tools for Inclusion Project and Widgit Software
Ltd. To explore the full version of this site visit:
http://www.ioe.ac.uk/nof/tfi/rainforest/index.htm
The additional ideas have been produced by Sue Norton.
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