Pesticides Lesson Plans

Tenth graders explore the importance of pesticides as chemical tools. The chemistry of a pesticide is important for understanding the composition of the product, the classification of pesticides according to their use and the classification of insecticides.

Twelfth graders explore the process by which environmental laws and regulations are developed, passed, and enforced. They identify the major agency and office responsible for enforcing pesticide legislation and research the laws that have passed in US History.

Young scholars investigate the uses of pesticides and the pros and cons of their use. In this pesticides lesson, students observe simulations of the three classes of pesticides and the effects or actions each has. Young scholars answer 3 follow up questions about pesticide use after observing the simulations.

Students explore the laws and regulations of pesticides. In this pesticides lesson, students research how laws are made and identify the agencies responsible for enforcing the laws. Students research the Internet for laws and bills concerning pesticides.

Fourth graders generalize that all animals, including people, depend on plants as a food source. In this science lesson plan, 4th graders describe and construct a food chain, tell how pesticides enter the food chain, and discuss possible consequences of pesticides entering the food chain.

Students analyze the calcium content of egg shells as an introduction to the toxic effects of pesticides on biological systems.

Students examine an industrial disaster in India which affected the food for generations to come. In groups, they research the history of pesticides and place them into groups based on the type of pests they control. They partcipate in a game in which they determine what might happen to different foods when pesticides are placed on them.

Young scholars investigate the prevalence of pesticides in their communities by searching their homes, visiting local stores and talking to extended family and friends. They conduct their search by classifying pesticides based on the pests they control.

Students conduct an experiment using a small sample from a local water source. They introduce fertilizers and pesticides, separately, and carefully examine the results in their simulated aquatic ecosystem.

Fourth graders generalize that all animals, including people, depend on plants as a food source. After describing and constructing a food chain. students tell how pesticides enter the food chain.