A Science Project for Students of All Abilities

Students of all abilities benefit greatly from hands-on lessons. To maximize learning for the child with special needs find simple, educational projects that feed his or her therapeutic needs. For those with autism and other sensory processing issues, being actively engaged in hands-on projects can significantly enhance the learning experience.

The multi-step lesson creates a large lawn spider and can be customized for completion on a timetable you establish. The nature of the project allows it to be applied in different subjects. Budding scientists will learn spider anatomy and increase classification skills when used in a living organisms unit. You can turn the project into a social studies lesson by focusing on creating a spider that resembles those found in a specific region of study. Counting, adding and measuring the lengths of the legs support basic math skills.

Listed below you will find easy-to-follow instructions, materials needed and the therapeutic benefits. The instructions are written according to the materials I used but are easily adapted to fit your specific needs.

Therapeutic benefits:
Fine motor skills
Gross motor skills
Motor planning
Tactile input
Visualization
Thinking skills
Sequencing
Problem solving

Materials needed:
12 Large black garbage bags cut to open and lie flat
Scissors
Strong adhesive box tape
8 Popsicle sticks
Picture of a spider similar to the one being made (optional)
4 Foam swimming pool noodles
Plastic crab-shaped sandbox
Cinder block or other heavy item to anchor the sandbox in place

Steps:
1. Explain to the students that you will be making a spider. Show them the materials and ask them how they think it can be done. Throughout the lesson continue to ask questions such as, "What should we do next?" to keep them thinking and focused.

2. Review subject material related to the project. Some kids are visual learners so you may want to include a picture of a spider that resembles the one to be made.

3. Spread one of the bags over the top portion of the lid of the sandbox and secure it underneath with the box tape. Use a second bag over the remaining uncovered portion of the lid and secure it as you did the first.

4. To cover the lower portion of the sandbox you will need to cut the bags to fit around eyes and legs of the crab.

5. Once the top and bottom are covered, place the cinder block inside and put the lid over it.

6. Cut the foam pool noodles in half. To make the shorter front legs, one of the halves must be cut again.

7. Wrap each foam pool noodle in a black garbage bag and secure with tape.

8. Lay out the wrapped legs to determine the exact position of them. Bend each leg to your desired height. Place the shorter legs in front. The other legs should be bent and placed in graduating height.

When you've determined the leg height, push a Popsicle stick in the ground vertically. Take one end of the leg and shove it on the Popsicle stick. Secure the other end of the leg to the side of the spider body with tape. Continue in this manner until all eight legs are attached and the spider is complete.

Blending kids of all abilities in projects such as this create social experiences that either group may lack. The more exposure kids have to those who are different from them the easier it is for them to accept them as they are. Kids often learn more from each other. A disabled child who has previously refused to attempt a task may do so when he or she sees another child doing it. Students without disabilities learn that regardless of how someone looks or any handicaps he or she may have, they can still interact and have fun. It's a lesson we all need.