Carbon for Water Treatment: A Chemistry Experiment That Is Accessible for Vision Impaired People

Abstract

Chemistry experiments are challenging for people with vision impairment (VI) as results often rely on visual observations such as a color change. This puts pupils with VI at a disadvantage both in their scientific learning and in their development of broader life skills. In this paper, we describe a simple and low-cost experiment on the adsorption of fragrances by activated carbon. The experiment can be used in a class by sighted pupils and pupils with VI, enabling all pupils to fully engage with the lesson. A trial of the experiment with VI pupils in mainstream schools demonstrates the accessibility of the experiment and effectiveness for teaching the concepts of adsorption, surface area, and water treatment challenges.