At NFB STEM2U 2025, students explored the scientific method—a process used by scientists everywhere to ask questions, make predictions, and test ideas about how the world works. The curriculum features a series of hands-on, accessible experiments designed to help students practice observation, data collection, and analysis using nonvisual techniques.
This curriculum will allow participants to:
- Conduct engaging experiments in chemistry, physics, and engineering—including chemical reaction challenges, mini-invention builds, and buoyancy tests.
- Strengthen problem-solving and critical-thinking skills through guided exploration and discovery.
- Learn how to approach science with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
The activity booklet and tactile graphics are available electronically, along with a few instructional videos for select experiments. All activities are self-guided, and no additional support is provided by the NFB. Please note that hard copies must be produced independently, and participants will need to secure their own materials.
Activity Booklet
- Open the Scientific Method Curriculum activity booklet in your web browser (HTML)
- Download a BRF file of the Scientific Method Curriculum activity booklet (BRF)
- Download a Word file of the Scientific Method Curriculum activity booklet (Word)
- Download a PDF file of the Scientific Method Curriculum activity booklet (PDF)
Tactile Graphics
The tactile graphics below are organized by activity. Each graphic is available as a large print specifically for printing or a Braille format that is specifically for embossing.
Scientific Method Chart
- Scientific method flow chart (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Scientific method flow chart (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
Thermo Thrills
- Water molecule (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Water molecule (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
- Sodium chlorine structure (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Sodium chlorine structure (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
- Water and salt reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Water and salt reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
The Candy Molecule Challenge
- Periodic Table of Elements (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Periodic Table of Elements (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
Can You Feel the Breeze?
- Electric motor(PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Electric motor (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
- Open circuit (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Open circuit (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
- Closed circuit (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Closed circuit (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!
- Energy absorbing reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Energy absorbing reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
- Energy releasing reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Energy releasing reaction (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
Sink or Swim?
- Buoyancy (PDF for hardcopy production only - Braille)
- Buoyancy (PDF for hardcopy production only - Large Print)
Instructional Activity Videos
Watch the YouTube videos below for step-by-step instructions on how to complete the STEM activities.
Activity 1A: Balloon Blast
Activity 1B: Watch Out, It’s Going to Blow!
Additional Resources
- If you don’t have access to produce Braille or tactile graphics, contact your local NFB state affiliate for assistance.
- Encourage your child’s STEM learning and access our STEM Learning Toolkit for Parents of Blind Children.
- Access NFB EQ for Teachers: A Nonvisual & Accessible Engineering Curriculum.
Share Your STEM2U Experience
If you’d like to share photos or videos of your experiments, please email them to us at [email protected].* If you post on social media, be sure to include the hashtag #NFBSTEM2U so we can celebrate your work!
*Note: By submitting or sharing media, you grant the National Federation of the Blind (NFB) permission to use your and/or your child’s image or likeness in materials produced by the NFB for promotional, educational, and related purposes. This includes use in print materials, websites, social media, and news media in any format or medium.
Support
Due to the generous donation from General Motors (GM), blind students across the country will learn fundamental nonvisual tools and techniques they can use to pursue further education and careers in STEM. The members of the NFB are extremely grateful for this gift from General Motors (GM), which will truly help blind students live the lives they want.
About National Federation of the Blind Education Initiatives
The National Federation of the Blind believes that blindness does not define the future of blind and low-vision youth. Through our extensive education programs, we introduce blind children to new possibilities, inspire teachers and families with our positive philosophy on blindness, and empower blind youth to achieve their full potential.
To learn more about our education programs, visit our education webpage, email us at [email protected], or call us at 410-659-9314, extension 2418.