House 1
Students will respond to bright/shade cues and participate in one soil observation.
Lesson 14 • Garden skills & food
Sunlight and Soil Clues
Use light and soil clues to decide where a plant may grow best.
Classroom lesson: How Plants Absorb Light and the Sun / Soil pHToday I can…
compare light and soil and choose a place for a plant.
Words to know
Our five words
LIGHTSUNSOILACIDTEST
Follow along
What we will do
- 1
Find light
Compare a bright spot and a shady spot.
- 2
Look at a leaf
Notice how leaves reach toward light.
- 3
Collect soil
Place a small soil sample in a testing cup.
- 4
Test pH
Watch or help an adult use a safe pH strip.
- 5
Choose a place
Match a plant card with the best light and soil clues.
Speech, sign, point, eye gaze, or AAC
Tell us what you need
SUNSHADESOILTESTTHIS PLACE
Teacher & para guideMaterials, House objectives, access, and safety
Materials
- Light/shade picture symbols
- Non-toxic plant
- Two soil samples
- Prepared pH test supplies
- Color comparison card
- Plant placement cards
Safety first
Use classroom soil only. Adults handle test liquids and dispose of samples. No tasting; wash hands after soil work.
Follow each student's IEP, health, feeding, allergy, behavior, and mobility plans.
Objectives by House
House 2
Students will match sun or shade and choose between two soil-test colors.
House 3
Students will follow a simple pH test and use two clues to place a plant.
House 4 & 5
Students will compare light and pH results and justify a crop-placement choice using recorded evidence.
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.