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This activity is linked to the National Profiles, Level 3, Mathematics and Science.
Materials
Half milk cartons with drainage holes cut in the bottom or small pots
Potting mix (native if possible)
Small stones or gravel
Seeds collected from the local area
Book identifying local plants
Waterproof texta
Working on from, How Seeds Spread, look at the different speeds various plants grow.
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Take class on a seed collecting walk. Impress on class the necessity for safety: nothing to be put in mouth, no sticking fingers in holes, no turning over bark with fingers, look before you touch, etc.
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Collect a number of native seeds from the local area. You may want to take a plant identification book with you on the walk to correctly identify plants
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In a different container, collect seeds from non-native weeds. Clearly label the two containers so the weeds and the natives do not get mixed up
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Clearly label milk containers or pots with the name of the seeds to be planted
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Place containers in a protected, sunny spot, and water regularly
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Have students measure growth rate of plants at weekly intervals
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Brainstorm with class the different ways of showing this graphically
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Have students graph growth rates of native plants compared to weeds
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Using results gathered from growth rate graphs, brainstorm what might happen to native forests if weeds start to multiply unchecked
After this experiment is completed, discuss with class why the weeds they have grown have to be destroyed. Discuss effective methods of weed control.
Options for disposal of native plants:
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Students can take the plants home and plant them in their gardens
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Keep plants (clearly labelled) and sell them at the next school fete
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Discuss with your local Landcare group options for a tree planting activity in your area
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