STEM in the Garden: Lesson Plan Ideas for Neurodivergent Learners

Gardening and STEM education are a perfect match, offering endless opportunities for hands-on learning, exploration, and discovery. When it comes to neurodivergent learners – those with ADHD, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), dyslexia or other learning differences- gardening can be an especially powerful tool for engagement and growth. Here we explore some lesson plan ideas that combine gardening and STEM activities in ways that support neurodivergent learners’ unique needs and strengths. So let’s dig in!

Introduction to Neurodivergent Learners

There are many different types of neurodivergent learners, each with their own unique set of strengths and challenges. In this section, we will introduce you to some of the most common neurodivergent learner types and provide general information about how they learn best.

One of the most common neurodivergent learner types is the autistic learner. Autistic learners often have difficulty with social interactions and may be sensitive to certain sensory stimuli. However, they often excel at tasks that require focused attention and repetitive motions. When creating lesson plans for autistic learners, it is important to consider their individual strengths and challenges.

Another common type of neurodivergent learner is the ADHD learner. These students often have difficulty sustaining attention on one task for long periods of time. However, they are often very creative and full of energy. When creating lesson plans for ADHD learners, it is important to incorporate activities that will keep them engaged and focused.

There are many other types of neurodivergent learners, including those with dyslexia, dyscalculia, and Asperger’s Syndrome. Each type of neurodivergent learner has their own unique set of strengths and challenges. When creating lesson plans for neurodivergent learners, it is important to consider the individual needs of each student.

Benefits of Gardening for Neurodivergent Learners

Gardening has a host of benefits for neurodivergent learners. It can help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and social skills. It can also be a calming activity that helps with focus and concentration. Gardening can be tailored to the individual needs of each learner, making it an ideal activity for those with autism or other neurodivergent conditions. Here are some ways gardening can be used to help children with neurodivergent needs:

1. Fine Motor Skills: Gardening gives learners the opportunity to practice their fine motor skills, such as pinching and grasping. By using tools such as trowels, rakes, and shovels, learners can develop the strength and control of their hands.

2. Sensory Processing: Sensory processing is an issue for many neurodivergent learners. Gardening provides tactile input that can help with sensory regulation. For example, playing in the dirt or watering plants can be calming activities for those with autism.

3. Social Skills: Working on a garden project with others can be a great way to practice social skills such as eye contact, verbal communication, and teamwork. This can help improve self-confidence and build relationships with others.

4. Focus and Concentration: Gardening requires focus and concentration to get tasks done in a timely manner. It can also be helpful in teaching problem-solving skills by having to troubleshoot issues that arise during gardening tasks. This can lead to improved self-esteem when successful outcomes are achieved.

Gardening is an excellent activity for neurodivergent learners due to its ability to provide physical, sensory, social, and cognitive benefits that can help improve their overall wellbeing.

Designing a Garden Space for Neurodivergent Learners

When designing a garden space for neurodivergent learners, it is important to consider the individual needs of each learner. Some common considerations include:

– Providing sensory-rich experiences: Neurodivergent learners often benefit from experiences that are rich in sensory input. This can be accomplished by including a variety of textures, colors, and smells in the garden space.

– Creating a safe and relaxed environment: It is important to create an environment that is free from potential hazards and feels safe and relaxed to the learner. This may include providing a quiet space away from loud noises or bright lights.

– Promoting movement and physical activity: Many neurodivergent learners benefit from opportunities to move their bodies and get physical exercise. Incorporating elements such as raised beds, trellises, or stepping stones can provide opportunities for movement while gardening.

– Encouraging social interaction: For some neurodivergent learners, interacting with others can be challenging. Creating a garden space that encourages social interaction can help promote positive relationships and communication skills. This may include incorporating features such as a water feature or seating area where people can gather.

– Designing for accessibility: Making sure the garden space is accessible to all learners is key. This may include providing raised beds or seating areas at different heights and ensuring that pathways are wide enough for wheelchairs or walkers.

By considering these elements when designing a garden space for neurodivergent learners, you can create an environment that is safe, welcoming, and provides opportunities for learning and growth.

Educational Components of Gardening

In any given garden, there are a multitude of opportunities for neurodivergent learners to explore and engage with the world around them. With some careful planning, educators can use gardens as an outdoor classroom to teach STEM concepts in a way that is both accessible and enjoyable for all students.

Some possible educational components of gardening include:

-Exploring the different parts of plants and how they work together

-Observing the life cycle of plants, from seed to flower to fruit

-Tracking the progress of plants over time through journaling or photography

-Measuring plant growth using rulers or other tools

-Using math skills to calculate seed spacing, planting depth, and more

-Using basic chemistry principles to understand soil nutrients and plant nutrition

– Investigating weather patterns and their impact on plant growth

-Studying insects and other animals that visit the garden

-Exploring the history of gardening, from ancient to modern times

-Experimenting with different growing techniques and plant combinations

Curriculum Ideas and Resources

In addition to the many other benefits of gardening, did you know that it can also be a great teaching tool for neurodivergent learners? If you’re looking for more curriculum ideas and resources to help your students get the most out of their garden experience, check out:

-The National Gardening Association has a whole section of their website devoted to educational resources, including lesson plans and activities specifically designed for neurodivergent learners.

-The American Horticultural Society is a great resource for educators, with activities and resources tailored to children with autism.

Evaluation Strategies

There are many ways to evaluate the progress of neurodivergent learners in a STEM garden setting. One way is to simply observe their behavior and interactions with the plants and garden environment. Another way is to have them keep a journal documenting their thoughts and experiences. Yet another option is to give them regular check-ins with a tutor or mentor who can help gauge their understanding of the material.

No matter what evaluation strategy you choose, it’s important to be patient and flexible. Neurodivergent learners often require more time and support to master new concepts. But with a little extra effort, they can thrive in a STEM garden setting – and maybe even surprise you with their hidden talents!

Finally, it’s important to remember that evaluation should never be used as a means of punishment. Instead, it should be used to help neurodivergent learners identify areas of growth and success – and then use those to create a personalized learning plan.

Conclusion

Gardening is an excellent way for neurodivergent learners to get outside, learn about science, and be creative. With the right lesson plan ideas and materials, teachers can create engaging STEM-based activities that help neurodivergent students develop their academic skills while also having fun outdoors. The garden provides a safe environment where children of all abilities have the chance to explore nature and make meaningful connections with their peers and educators. With careful planning and thoughtful implementation, any teacher can design an effective learning experience for neurodivergent students in the garden!