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Two Rondout Valley High School students practice tying shoes while wearing gloves, part of a lesson learning about the challenges in the life of Temple Grandin.
Hands-On Science: RVHS Students Experience Sensory Challenges to Celebrate Women in STEM

In honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11, MacKenzie Lawrence’s Animal Science Class at Rondout Valley High School spent time learning about Temple Grandin.

A prominent proponent of the humane treatment of livestock for slaughter and the author of more than 60 scientific papers on animal behavior, Grandin revolutionized the United States beef industry. She is also autistic.

Students watched a documentary about Grandin and learned about the challenges in her life and how she dealt with them. Part of the class lesson included attempting to conquer specific tasks while students' visual, auditory, and motor skills were compromised. The tasks included putting on glasses smeared with grease and trying to complete a maze worksheet, taking notes while sitting on ice packs next to an open window (it was a really cold day) with loud heavy metal music playing, and attempting to tie shoes with winter gloves and mittens on. 

Students were asked to reflect on their experience with these tasks. "I didn’t realize how frustrating simple tasks could be when one of your senses isn’t working normally. The maze took me way longer than it should have," said one student. Another commented, "The tactile station made me uncomfortable. It helped me understand how constant sensory input could affect learning." They came away with an appreciation for how frustrating sensory and motor challenges can be and how they impact someone’s ability to not only learn but to complete simple tasks we take for granted.

This lesson on Temple Grandin is a great way to celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science because her life and work highlight the powerful impact women can have in STEM fields. Grandin’s innovative thinking and contributions to animal science while also championing neurodiversity inspires students to see how curiosity, perseverance, and unique perspectives can lead to meaningful scientific advancements and real-world change.
 

A student tries to tie their shoe while wearing snow gloves, part of a lesson learning about the challenges in the life of Temple Grandin.

 
RVHS students try to complete a maze while wearing greasy goggles, part of a lesson learning about the challenges in the life of Temple Grandin.

 
An RVHS student works on classwork while sitting on a block of ice with the windows open, part of a lesson learning about the challenges in the life of Temple Grandin.