The participation of the identified students was
influenced by the nature and amount of appropriate
assistance or intervention received.
Students who struggled with writing were supported
in participating fully when assisted with the documentation
of their thoughts.
Students who struggled with writing were supported
in participating fully when given the opportunity to
document graphically.
Environmental print and graphic documentation served
to support students who initiated using it; this could
be developed and its use made explicit for other
students as well.
Participating—gaining access “to the floor,” to the
investigation materials, or to the approval and support
of peers—was difficult for these students in both
small- and large-group contexts.
The ability to learn from large-group discussions was
difficult for these students unless they were provided
concrete support (e.g., a discussion guide, notes on
board/overhead projector).
The opportunity to engage in one-on-one discussion,
particularly with the teacher, seemed important for
these students for engagement, development of
thought, and as a rehearsal for sharing with others.
Peer discussion did not work as well.
Given appropriate social and cognitive supports,
which do not appear untenable in a classroom setting,
these students were able to participate and express an
understanding of floating and sinking during the
activity.