National Federation of the Blind

Junior Science Academy

July 23-27, 2008

Baltimore, MD 

For the first time, the National Center for Blind Youth in Science (NCBYS) will be offering a Junior Science Academy (JSA) targeting children in grades three through six. This year, with hands-on experiences, tactile materials, and innovative nonvisual teaching methods, the Academy will open its doors to the youngest group of scientific explorers in NCBYS history.

Students: The four-day session will expose blind children to the excitement of science in real-life applications. Students will discover that science can be fun through hands-on instruction, field trips, and interactive activities as they learn about how different aspects of the environment work together to create the world around them.

The JSA will be rooted in the high expectations of the NFB philosophy and will expose participants to a variety of positive experiences. Under the guidance of accomplished blind educators and mentors, students will learn how alternative techniques help make science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects accessible and more engaging. In addition, follow-up activities will ensure that children and their families stay connected to a variety of resources provided by the National Federation of the Blind, including accessing tools for learning STEM curriculum, acquiring better blindness skills, and interacting with positive blind role models.

Parents: Unique seminars and hands-on workshops will take place in conjunction with the children's activities. These sessions will be designed to help parents better meet the academic and social needs of their child. Sessions will include such topics as Braille literacy, orientation and mobility, advocacy, and empowerment. Parents will also be introduced to a variety of beneficial resources available to them and their families.

Cost: All aspects of the program, including transportation, room, and board for one parent/guardian and one child will be provided by the NFB at no cost to participants.

From among those who apply, thirty blind children, grades three through six (ages 8-12), will be selected to participate in the 2008 Junior Science Academy. A parent or guardian will accompany each student and will participate in a corresponding seminar during the child's activities. Accepted students and parents must be able to attend all sessions.

Students and parents who would like to be considered must complete an application (link appears below) and return it to the Jernigan Institute by March 31, 2008. Selection will be based on criteria such as: academic performance, use of blindness skills (e.g., Braille, cane travel, daily living skills, etc.), diversity, and interest. In addition, prospective participants and parents selected for a second round of review will be interviewed by phone.

Junior Science Academy Application

Junior Science Academy Mentor Information and Application

Junior Science Academy Printable Flyer

For more information regarding the NFB Junior Science Academy or the application process, contact:

NFB Jernigan Institute Education Department
Phone: (410) 659-9314, ext. 2419
E-mail: emakowske@nfb.org