For Signing Math & Science, TERC and Vcom3D are using the SigningAvatar® assistive technology to develop illustrated, interactive 3D standards-based sign language dictionaries for grade K-8 learners who are deaf and hard of hearing. An Earth science dictionary for grade 9-12 learners is also being developed.

To see the Avatar characters sign, you must first install the Signing Math & Science Plug-in. Requirements include: Windows 7, Vista, or XP Operating System and Internet Explorer 6.0 or higher. If you are a Mac user, you must have VM Ware or Parallels installed to use the avatar.

Installation of the Signing Math & Science Plug-in

To install the plug-in:

1. Click here to download and decompress the plug-in file. (32.6 MB)
2. If your web browser does not decompress the file for you automatically after downloading it, right-click the file and select "Open With". From the resulting menu, select "Compressed (zipped) Folders". Copy the contents into a new folder.
3. Double-click the file named "setup.exe".
4. The plug-in will install automatically. You may install the plug-in on as many computers as you'd like.
5. When you first access a Signing Science product, if Internet Explorer alerts you to a security-related condition, you must select "Allow Blocked Content" in the information bar at the top of the webpage. If asked, you must "Allow Active X."
6. For technical assistance, contact: wes_fleming@terc.edu

Signing Science Dictionary (SSD)

1. Click the Signing Science Dictionary link on the upper navigation bar.
2. Click Movie for an overview of how to use it.
3. Click Activity 1 and Activity 2 to practice using it.

Signing Science Pictionary (SSP)

1. Click the Signing Science Pictionary link on the upper navigation bar.
2. Use the Movie and Activities to get started.

Signing Math Dictionary (SMD)

1. Click the Signing Math Dictionary link on the upper navigation bar.
2. Use the Movie and Activity to get started.

Signing Math Pictionary (SMP)

1. Click the Signing Math Pictionary link on the upper navigation bar.
2. Use the Movie and Activity to get started.

Signing Earth Science Dictionary (SESD)

1. Click the Signing Earth Science Dictionary link on the upper navigation bar.
2. The SESD will begin to be fully functional in Fall of 2010.

For additional information about Signing Math & Science,
send email to judy_vesel@terc.edu.

© 2010 TERC. All rights reserved.