Discover Assistive Devices in Paralympic Sports

Explore the amazing assistive devices used by Paralympians to help them achieve their best with this comprehensive inquiry-based research project perfect for upper elementary students!

The Scenario

The Paralympic Games is approaching. Your school librarian is compiling a special display in the library about Paralympic athletes and their achievements. Your class has been asked to contribute to the collection by creating a set of flipbooks about the assistive devices that these athletes use to help them participate in their chosen sport.

The Task

Choose an assistive device used in the Paralympic Games. Research key information about the device, such as when, where and by whom it was invented, how it is used by Paralympic athletes, and how it has changed over time. Use your information to create a flipbook about your chosen assistive device.

Project Components

There are two separate components to this project which can all be downloaded in your preferred file format. These are:

1. Project Booklet – This can be downloaded as an editable Google Slides file or an easy-print PDF document.
2. Assistive Devices Flipbook – This can be downloaded as an editable Google Slides file or an easy-print PDF.

Easily Implement This Paralympics Project

The project booklet download contains everything your students will need to independently complete this inquiry-based project about the assistive devices used by Paralympic athletes. (Note: It is recommended that you direct your students to credible, age-appropriate websites to assist them in compiling their research.) The contents of the booklet are as follows:

1. Project Overview – This page provides students with a detailed explanation of the project. It contains:
   • Scenario Overview
   • Task Outline
   • Guiding Questions
   • Process Walk-Through
2. Assistive Devices Reading Passage – This page contains a reading passage that provides students with some context about the types of assistive devices used by Paralympic athletes.
3. Research Graphic Organizers –These pages enable students to record research about their chosen assistive device in a clear and organized manner. There are two versions for students to choose from.
4. Assessment Rubric – A sample assessment rubric has been provided should teachers wish to assess students’ work according to a given set of criteria.

This project has been designed to seamlessly integrate with the elementary school curriculum. For example, it could be used when exploring how products are created to meet the specific needs of people and groups in the community.

Download to Explore Assistive Devices in Sport

Use the Download button to access your preferred files. Don’t forget, you will need to download both the project booklet and the flipbook.

For sustainability purposes, please consider printing the project booklet double-sided.

This resource was created by Lauren Borst, a teacher in Indiana and a Teach Starter collaborator.

Paralympic Games Projects at Your Fingertips

Teach Starter boasts an extensive range of teacher-created projects to help you explore the Paralympic Games and its athletes with your students. We’ve handpicked a selection below to help you start exploring our offering:

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Biography of a Paralympian – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students investigate the life and achievements of a famous Paralympic athlete with this inquiry-based learning project.

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Design a Paralympic Mascot – Inquiry-Based Project

Have your students design a new mascot for the national Paralympic Team with this inquiry-based learning project.

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Introduction to the Paralympic Games – Inquiry-Based Project

Introduce your students to the key components of the Paralympic Games with this inquiry-based learning project.