2026–27 · Main lesson · Winter 2027

Compare Garden Sounds and Set Listening Preferences

Adult extension of: Nature Sound Lab

January 19–22, 2027 · planned

Compare brief nature sounds by their source and audible features, using only the listening conditions you choose. Make a practical preference note for a garden visit, shared workspace or quiet break.

Curriculum skill focus: Auditory discrimination, sensory regulation, preference communication, self-advocacy

01 · Learning

Objectives

Compare two chosen sounds using a feature such as rhythm, duration or continuous versus interrupted sound.
Match a sound to a likely pictured source while distinguishing an observation from a guess.
Communicate and test a listening preference or boundary using a preferred communication method.

02 · Preparation

Materials

A device controlled by the facilitator; previewed rain, bird or water recordings; matching source pictures; a plain comparison sheet; pen or usual AAC; an immediately available quiet option. Headphones are optional and never required.

03 · Practice

Adult project

1
Agree on the task and access before any playback. Choose listening, silent source pictures, observing or declining; establish how to request stop, quieter or a break and demonstrate that the stop signal ends the sound immediately.
2
Inspect two source pictures and predict what might distinguish their sounds. The facilitator previews the recording and offers one 5–10 second sample at an agreed low volume, followed by silence; do not begin with a surprise sound.
3
Describe only what was noticed, such as several short calls or a continuous wash of sound. Match a source picture if useful and record uncertain rather than supplying a confident answer when the evidence is unclear.
4
Choose whether to replay the first sound or hear a second brief sample. Compare same or different and one feature, keeping the chosen volume and allowing a pause between samples; a maximum of three brief trials is enough.
5
If a plant-sonification device is available, compare its output with a nature recording. Explain how measured changes are mapped to generated sounds; do not interpret the output as plant speech, mood or music made acoustically by the plant.
6
Make a practical choice for a setting you use: this sound, another sound or quiet. Test one requested adjustment only with permission, then note whether it was preferred; a silent picture comparison is recorded as visual work, not a hearing assessment.
7
Finish the preference note in your own words, symbols or selected choices. Confirm that it describes today’s preference, close the audio and identify how you could communicate the same request during a real garden activity.

Evidence & interpretation

What the investigation shows

Sounds can be compared by observable features, but recordings do not reproduce every property of a real setting. A preference is a personal report, not evidence that a sound will regulate mood or that someone has a particular hearing ability. Optional plant sonification converts measured electrical changes into device-generated sound. It is not a recording of a plant singing, talking, or expressing feelings. Use low volume and an immediate stop option.

Practical connection

Why this work matters

Useful for requesting workable sound conditions during gardening, travel, volunteering or shared-space activities.

Participation by choice

Individual access options

Choose a fully silent route using source pictures and patterns; describe it as visual comparison and still practice a sound-related boundary.
Use one option at a time, partner-assisted scanning, signs, gaze or usual AAC with your established wait time; speech and eye contact are unnecessary.
Choose seated listening, a greater distance from the speaker or an observer role; control whether any additional sound is introduced.

Review & transfer

Reflect on the work

Which feature helped you compare the sounds, or what remained uncertain?
What listening condition would you want others to respect next time?