Level 1
Select shallow or deep.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
How Deep Does a Seed Go?
Compare planting holes to find the right depth for a seed.
Classroom lesson: How Deep Does a Seed Go?Today I can…
match a planting hole to a depth mark
Words to know
Words for this lesson
SEEDSOILHOLEPOTRULER
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Meet the seed
Look at the seed picture on the packet.
- 2
Compare holes
Choose the hole that goes farther down.
- 3
Find the mark
Find the depth mark an adult made from the packet.
- 4
Match the depth
Choose the hole that matches the mark.
- 5
Watch planting
Watch an adult place the seed at the marked depth.
- 6
Find the label
Find the date on the planted pot.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
SHALLOWDEEPWATCHHELPBREAK
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Untreated seed packet; adult-controlled seeds; moist potting mix; pot and tray; blunt marked tool; large ruler; depth pictures; AAC choices; handwashing access.
Safety first
Keep learners seated at a shared display; offer observation without touch and AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Honor NO, STOP and BREAK; allow wait time and follow individual vision, allergy, mouthing and supervision plans. Select support individually, never by age or House. Adults control untreated seeds, moist soil and planting; use only a blunt marked tool and a stable tray. Prevent mouthing and wash hands after soil contact. Read the actual packet: different seeds need different depths. Compare depth today; growth takes days.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Individual learning objectives
Choose Level 1, 2 or 3 individually in either House group. A House is not an ability level. Watching, directing and communicating a boundary are valid participation.
Level 2
Match a hole to the depth mark.
Level 3
Use the packet to check planting depth.
Skill focus: Fine-motor control, depth concepts, comparison, functional planting
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
5 min: Show a seed packet and two prepared holes. Ask, "Which is deeper?" Explain that different seeds need different planting depths; the packet tells us. Offer PLANT/WATCH and model HELP/BREAK.
I do · 10 min
I do 10 min: Read one untreated seed packet. Mark its stated depth on a blunt planting tool. Show the mark at soil level; adult makes the hole, places the seed and covers it. Keep seeds and soil adult-controlled.
We do · 10 min
We do 10 min: Compare shallow and deep model holes. Learners point, direct an adult or use the marked tool with support. Check the correct depth before adult planting. Label and date the pot. Growth takes days; compare depth today.
Exit choice · 5 min
L1: Shallow or deep? L2: Which hole matches? L3: Where did we find the depth? Accept AAC, gaze, gesture or speech. Record response/support; cue ALL DONE.
Science note: Depth means how far down.
Curriculum connection: CCSS 2.MD.A.1 (adapted).
Prepare for this learner
Seat students at one shared display. Offer watch/no-touch, AAC, gaze, gestures or speech; wait and respect NO/BREAK. Use one-step cues. Follow individual vision, allergy, mouthing and supervision plans. Select levels individually in either House group.
Record the response, access method, opportunities and support used. Record observed, declined or not assessed separately; a communicated refusal is not a failure of participation.
Word lesson plan
Editable classroom source plan. Source files may retain earlier titles. Use the individual level choices and safety guidance above when preparing the session.
Access supports
Communication Model five core words; accept speech, AAC, eye gaze, gestures, object choices, signs, and partner-assisted scanning.
Sensory Present one material at a time. Offer tools, gloves, observe-only, a scent-free choice, and a quiet break.
Motor Stabilize containers, pre-loosen parts, use adapted grips, and offer seated, standing, partner, or directing roles.
Learning Show the finished result, model first, use short visual steps, repeat, and record the least support needed.