Make science hands-on, visual, and language-rich with this interactive Community Helpers – Make Your Own Toothpaste experiment, designed especially for special education classrooms and AAC users!

Students learn about dentists as community helpers while making their own toothpaste and comparing it to store-bought toothpaste. This engaging activity builds understanding of dental health, observation, comparing and contrasting, and science vocabulary while encouraging communication with core words and concept vocabulary.

🌟 What’s Included:

• Step-by-step experiment slides with clear visuals
• Experiment supply page with picture-supported materials
• Core word targets: he, she, help, do, you
• Bonus concept words: same, different
• Partner prompts for guided discussion and AAC modeling
• “Think About It” reflection pages to review dental health concepts
• Communication board with core words and activity-specific vocabulary
• Start Up Steps for Teachers
• ELA & AAC in Science standards-alignment support
  

🧠 Skills Addressed:

• Scientific thinking and observation
• Comparing and contrasting using same and different
• Dental health and community helper vocabulary
• Sequencing and following directions
• AAC modeling and expressive communication
• Asking for help and participating in group activities
• Descriptive vocabulary through smell, touch, and taste
  

💬 Perfect For:

• AAC and language-focused classrooms
• PreK–5th grade special education
• Speech-language therapy sessions
• Community helper units
• Dental health lessons
• Science centers and small group instruction
  

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