This approach adapts Lesson 7 (fair-test: absorbency) for students who need additional support, aligned with ABLEWA Stages A–D. The hands-on investigation is naturally inclusive.
Least dangerous assumption
Every student can take part in an investigation and observe a result. Presume competence; scaffold the planning and the recording.
Multiple means of representation
- Demonstrate the test first, slowly, with commentary: "Same water… now I dip the sponge… look, it soaked up!"
- Use the change/measure/keep-the-same picture cards from the Fair Test Template.
- Reduce to two materials to compare (sponge vs plastic) so the difference is obvious.
Multiple means of engagement
- Give the student a clear hands-on job (e.g. dipping the material, or pouring the set amount of water) with an adult alongside.
- First-then board; short, structured steps.
Multiple means of action and expression
- Accept the student pointing to the wetter/heavier material as their result.
- Accept a yes/no: "Did the sponge soak up more?" and an accept/reject choice of the "most absorbent" material.
- Offer a pre-drawn graph where the student colours in the bar to the marked level, rather than drawing axes.
Success looks like (adjusted)
- Stage A–B: participates in the test; reacts to or indicates the wet material.
- Stage C: compares two materials and points to the more absorbent one; records with a picture or symbol.
- Stage D / towards Year 4: helps keep the test fair, records results on a supported table and colours a simple bar graph.