Science and Social Studies for Students with Disabilities

Science and social studies have much to offer to all learners--including those with disabilities. However, instruction in these subjects has often been overlooked in the quest to better understand and improve leaning in English/language arts and mathematics. As we demonstrate in this paper, science and social studies help students attain skills, information, and dispositions that are important for success in school and everyday life. Furthermore, these subjects offer opportunities for students to learn and apply literacy and mathematics skills, engage in authentic problem solving and inquiry, and experience success in the general education classroom. We begin by discussing the nature of learning in science and social studies as well as the interaction of learners with the curriculum. We then review instructional practices for improving the performance of students with disabilities in each of these subject areas.