Level 1
Choose or indicate one plant example using an established response.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Plant Dye Lab
Compare colors made from approved plant materials.
Classroom lesson: Plant Dye LabToday I can…
compare a plant color on paper or fabric
Words to know
Words for this lesson
PLANTCOLORDIPLIGHTDARK
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Predict
Look at the plant material and choose a color prediction.
- 2
Test
Use a tool or direct an adult to dip one strip in cooled color liquid.
- 3
Wait
Place the labeled strip on its tray to dry.
- 4
Compare
Compare wet and dry color, or compare two plant samples.
- 5
Record
Match a color card or mark your observation on the sample label.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
THISOTHERSAMEDIFFERENTWATCH
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Adult-prepared cooled plant-color liquids in labeled containers
- Paper or fabric test strips; trays and tongs
- Gloves or no-touch roles, color chart, towels
Safety first
Adults identify and screen ingredients, prepare extracts, and handle all heat. Use cooled samples only. No tasting, skin application, unknown plants, or chemical mordants. Protect surfaces and follow allergy plans.
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
Complete or direct two steps of the activity with support.
Level 3
Compare results and communicate one observation or care decision.
Skill focus: Color comparison, prediction, sorting, recording
30-minute teaching sequence
Introduce · 5 min
5 minutes: Show the finished example or materials. Preview the choices, boundaries, and ways to participate.
I do · 10 min
5 minutes: Look at the plant material and choose a color prediction. Model one action slowly and demonstrate HELP and STOP.
We do · 10 min
15 minutes: Use a tool or direct an adult to dip one strip in cooled color liquid. Place the labeled strip on its tray to dry. Compare wet and dry color, or compare two plant samples.
Exit choice · 5 min
5 minutes: Match a color card or mark your observation on the sample label. Record the learner’s actual choice or observation; tidy the station together.
Science note: Plant pigments can color materials, but results depend on the plant, preparation, fiber, and conditions. A classroom color test does not establish washfastness or skin safety.
Prepare for this learner
Offer speech, pointing, gaze, AAC, partner-assisted scanning, or a recorded choice. Follow individual vision and mobility plans. Present one or two items at a time; watching, declining, and taking a break are valid participation.
Lower-staffing option: Use one facilitator-led tray with learners choosing, observing, or directing from their seats. Omit handling if supervision is insufficient.
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.