2026–27 · Backup lesson · Summer & ESY 2027
Make an Evidence-Based Harvest Decision
Adult extension of: Is It Ready to Pick?
Unscheduled alternative · available resource
Use a known crop’s harvest guide to compare two or more readiness clues. Record pick, wait or ask with a reason, keeping uncertain identity and incomplete evidence out of the harvest decision.
Curriculum skill focus: Visual/tactile discrimination, decision-making, harvest readiness, comparison
01 · Learning
Objectives
- Find readiness clues for the identified crop and variety in a suitable guide.
- Compare two samples or images using relevant clues rather than color or calendar date alone.
- Justify pick, wait or ask and identify when additional information is needed.
02 · Preparation
Materials
An identified approved crop and its packet or reliable crop-specific harvest guide; two or three accurate same-crop images or screened samples; ruler if relevant; tray; pick, wait and ask choices; recording sheet and usual AAC. Any required harvest tool is facilitator-controlled; no tasting supplies.
03 · Practice
Adult project
- 1
Confirm the crop and variety and locate the matching harvest guide. If identity, growing conditions or the relevant information is uncertain, use pictures and choose ask before any real harvest.
- 2
Extract two applicable clues from the guide, such as its stated size, color, firmness or growth stage. Record the actual crop-specific instructions without turning one example into a universal ripeness rule.
- 3
Observe the first specimen or image using looking, measurement or optional gentle touch when suitable. Record what matches, what does not match and what cannot be assessed from the available material.
- 4
Compare a second example of the same crop using the same clues. Choose pick, wait or ask for each and link the choice to evidence; do not substitute the scheduled lesson date for a readiness check.
- 5
If a real harvest is approved and all identity, site and safety checks are met, direct or support the appropriate action while the facilitator manages tools. Otherwise keep the activity as a decision exercise; do not squeeze produce hard or pull fragile stems.
- 6
Complete the record with the decision and next information needed. For a wait example, identify what should be checked later without promising a harvest date; return materials and wash hands after handling.
Evidence & interpretation
What the investigation shows
Harvest readiness depends on the crop, variety and intended use; clues may include size, color, firmness and growth stage. Calendar dates or color alone do not reliably establish readiness, and unknown plants must not be harvested on a guess.
Practical connection
Why this work matters
Useful for avoiding premature harvest, following crop guidance and communicating when an uncertain decision needs review.
Participation by choice
Individual access options
- Use enlarged crop images and the guide for a fully no-touch route, recording any clue the image cannot establish.
- Direct a partner’s ruler placement or sample handling through usual AAC, spoken choices, signs or gaze.
- Bring samples to a seated worktable, offer one comparison at a time and decline any texture or garden transition without losing the decision-making role.
Review & transfer
Reflect on the work
- Which two clues support your decision, and what remains uncertain?
- What new evidence would make you change wait or ask to another choice?