Level 1
Choose or indicate one seed example using an established response.
2026–27 • Labs & wellness
Seed Starting Lab & Hydroponic Gardening
Start seeds and compare ways to support young plants.
Classroom lesson: Seed Starting Lab & Hydroponic GardeningToday I can…
help start and label a seed
Words to know
Words for this lesson
SEEDROOTWATERLIGHTLABEL
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Look
Look at a seed and a young plant picture.
- 2
Prepare
Choose a labeled starter container and its growing material.
- 3
Start
Place a seed with help or direct a partner to place it.
- 4
Compare
Look at a soil starter and a water-growing demonstration.
- 5
Plan care
Choose a light or water check for the care chart.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
PLANTWATERLOOKHELPWATCH
Teacher & para guideMaterials, learning objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Approved large seeds and covered alternatives for small seeds
- Clean starter containers, moist growing medium, labeled water-growing demonstration
- Adult-prepared supports and care chart
Safety first
No tasting seeds, growing liquid, or media. Adults handle nutrient products and any pumps or electricity. Avoid treated seed, standing spills, and accessible small parts. Wash hands and follow plant-specific care directions.
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: Sequencing, comparison, plant care, recording growth
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 a seed and a young plant picture. Model one action slowly and demonstrate HELP and STOP.
We do · 10 min
15 minutes: Choose a labeled starter container and its growing material. Place a seed with help or direct a partner to place it. Look at a soil starter and a water-growing demonstration.
Exit choice · 5 min
5 minutes: Choose a light or water check for the care chart. Record the learner’s actual choice or observation; tidy the station together.
Science note: Seeds germinate when their species-specific conditions are met. Longer-term hydroponic growth requires suitable support, light, oxygen, and mineral nutrients; plain water is not a complete growing plan.
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.