House 1
Students will observe or explore wet/dry materials and choose a preferred action.
Lesson 31 • Labs, products & wellness
Build a Self-Watering Planter
Test absorbent materials and use the best wick to help water a plant.
Classroom lesson: Absorbency Test and Self-Watering PlantersToday I can…
compare absorbency and build a self-watering planter.
Words to know
Our five words
ABSORBWICKWATERSOILRESERVOIR
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Choose materials
Pick equal strips of cord, felt, coir, or paper.
- 2
Test
Place each strip in the same amount of colored water.
- 3
Compare
Notice which material pulls water higher.
- 4
Build
Thread the chosen wick through an adult-prepared planter.
- 5
Plant and check
Add soil, a plant, water, and a refill mark.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
WETDRYMOREWICKREFILL
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Equal strips of absorbent materials
- Clear cups and colored water
- Ruler or visual comparison card
- Adult-prepared two-part planter
- Potting mix and safe plant
- Water-level label
Safety first
Adults prepare containers and cover edges. Prevent spills and tipping. Empty stagnant water during cleaning and keep checking soil for overwatering.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Objectives by House
House 2
Students will compare two materials and help place a wick or plant.
House 3
Students will follow the test-and-build sequence and select a wick using results.
House 4 & 5
Students will collect simple absorbency data, justify a material choice, and assemble and label a working planter.
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.