Sign language glossary ‘to revolutionise’ teaching science to deaf children

A sign language glossary of science terms has been described as a “breakthrough” that will allow deaf pupils to engage more with the subject. The online resource now has 1,000 signs and was created by a group of deaf scientists, teachers and sign linguists at the University of Edinburgh’s Scottish Sensory Centre. It means terms such as asteroid, black hole and fireball can be communicated with a single sign rather than spelling them out letter by letter. The team that created it says it will “revolutionise” how science is taught to deaf children.

The launch of the thousandth term today is a milestone of how far we have come.

Dr Audrey Cameron, of Edinburgh University’s School of Education

Users can access online video clips of the terms and definitions in sign which will help pupils studying astronomy, biology, chemistry, physics and maths, and geography is soon to be added. The project began in 2007 and is supported by the Scottish Government, a number of scientific institutions and education bodies. Dr Audrey Cameron, of Edinburgh University’s School of Education, said: "The resource is a breakthrough that will help boost the performance of deaf pupils studying science and give them the opportunity to fully enjoy the learning process.“

Sign language Science