Signing Math and Science

Signing Math & Science Dictionaries

Photograph of a girl using a Signing Science dictionary

Photograph of two boys using a Signing Science dictionary

Developed by TERC and Vcom3D, the illustrated, interactive 3D standards-based signing dictionaries are intended for students who are deaf and hard of hearing. They use SigningAvatar® assistive technology and are for classroom use. Video versions are available free from this page by clicking the links below or the links at the bottom of this page. The video versions work well on phones and tablets using a Web browser.

Signing Science Dictionary (SSD)—a dictionary of science terms and definitions for grades 4-8. This work was funded in part by grants from NEC Foundation of America, the National Science Foundation (HRD-0533057), and the Department of Education (H327A060026).
Signing Science Picture Dictionary (SSP)—a dictionary of science terms and definitions for grades K-4. This work was funded in part by grants from the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family Foundation, Disability Inclusion Initiative and the Department of Education (H327A080040).
Signing Math Dictionary (SMD)—a dictionary of mathematics terms for students in the elementary and middle grades. This work was funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (HRD-0833969).
Signing Math Picture Dictionary (SMP)—a dictionary of math terms and definitions for grades K-4. This work was funded in part by a grant from the Department of Education (H327A100074).
Signing Earth Science Dictionary (SESD)—a dictionary of Earth science terms for grades 9-12. This work was funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (GEO-0913675).
Signing Life Science Dictionary (SLSD) and Signing Physical Science Dictionary (SPSD)—a dictionary of life science terms and a dictionary of physical science terms for grades 9-12 . This work was funded in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation (DRL-1019542).
Signing Astronomy Dictionary (SAD)—The prototype Signing Astronomy Dictionary (SAD) is under development and includes a starter set of terms available in English, Spanish, and ASL.

Publications and Reports

Copies of Publications and Evaluation Reports can be accessed by clicking these links.

Signing Glossaries

Photograph of a girl using the signing dictionary at a nature park.

The illustrated interactive signing glossaries are intended for use during visits to informal STEM Learning Environments such as zoos, science museums, and botanical gardens. Go here for more information.

Signing Bioscience Dictionary (SBD)

Screenshot of the Signing Bioscience Dictionary webpage

The SBD is intended for use in sign language interpreter programs to help undergraduates studying to become interpreters learn to interpret biology content. Go here for more information.

STEM Workforce Stories for Adolescents Who Are Deaf or Hard of Hearing (SWS)

Photograph of Carrie Solomon's students working in the field

The STEM Workforce Stories are intended for use by students in classrooms and out-of-school settings to increase their knowledge of STEM careers. Go here for more information.

Increasing Undergraduate Student Interpreters' Fluency and Accuracy in Interpreting STEM Content

Screenshot of a man signing from the video of an example of interpretations of life science terms.

A unique set of teaching and learning materials intended for use by students in interpreting programs is being researched and developed to enable them to interpret STEM content. Go here for more information.

Adventures in Infrared Astronomy: An Accessible Event

With the REVISE project, TERC and a team of Blind/Low Vision and Deaf/Hard of Hearing Interest Group (IT) members developed an Adventures in Infrared Astronomy Video and Guidelines for Implementation for informal science venues and visitors to them. Go here for more information.

Advancing Racial Equity in STEM Education: A Roundtable Discussion

Screenshot of a from the roundtable video.

Hosted by TERC and Bridge Multimedia, six Black STEM professionals who are deaf share their thoughts and experiences about racial and disability equity within K-12 STEM education and the workforce. Go here for more information.