Mechanisms of Herbicides Kit

This hands-on agriculture and environmental science lab challenges students to compare selective and non-selective herbicides while investigating how different plants respond to various treatments. It supports applied STEM learning and connects directly to Agriculture and Environmental Systems career pathways.

Evaluate Selective and Non-Selective Weed Killers

Students transplant grasses and weeds into pots or flats and test how and why different herbicides impact plant growth. Students can discuss when each type of herbicide is most effective, such as using non-selective herbicides for driveways and selective herbicides for golf courses. This inquiry-based approach builds experimental design skills and encourages evidence-based conclusions.

Explore Microbiological Effects on Soil Health

Students also test the herbicides on bacteria growing in petri dishes to confirm their results and better understand the different types of herbicides. This helps them see the potential effects of herbicides on soil microorganisms, strengthening their understanding of soil ecosystems. This added layer of investigation deepens scientific reasoning and highlights real-world environmental considerations.

Supports Agriculture and Environmental CTE Pathways

This kit aligns with Agriculture and Environmental Systems career clusters, including crop science, agronomy, soil science, and environmental management. Students examine how different weed killers affect the environment and participate in a group discussion to review their experimental design, results, and impacts on sustainability. The experience builds collaboration, research, data analysis, and critical thinking skills that mirror real agricultural science careers.

Structured Multi-Day Lab Investigation

The activity requires five class periods plus additional research time, making it ideal for in-depth exploration. Designed for 24 students working in four groups of six, it promotes teamwork and structured scientific inquiry. Required but not included are a heat source, flowerpots or nursery flats, and grasses and weeds for transplanting. Full contents below. Accommodates 24 students. Recommended for High School and up.

Standards: Aligns with NGSS.

CHOKING HAZARD (1). Not for under 3 yrs.

Benefits for STEM Learning

• Builds experimental design and data analysis skills
• Connects to Agriculture, Agronomy, and Environmental Science careers
• Encourages evidence-based discussion and sustainability awareness
• Hands-on comparison of selective and non-selective herbicides
• Includes microbiological investigation using agar plates
• Explores soil health and environmental impact
• Requires five class periods plus research time

Engage students in real-world agricultural science with the Mechanisms of Herbicides Kit. Bring crop protection, environmental impact analysis, and career-connected STEM learning into your classroom today.

Kit includes:

• Gloves
• Petri plates
• Nutrient broth
• Sterile swabs
• Student data sheet masters
• MSDS
• Rock salt
• Labeled spray bottles
• Nutrient agar
• Bibulous paper strips
• 2 different herbicide products
• Teacher's Manual
• Student lab masters
• Assessment Manual

Materials needed, but not included:

• Grass and weeds
• Vinegar
• Heat source
• Small dishes/beakers
• Flowerpots with bottoms or nursery flats with newspaper and cardboard
• Markers
• Masking tape
• Water