Authors: Grace Yu; Sources: EPA, Wordsearchfun.com, Unsplash

Herbicides and Pesticides

INTRODUCTION

Herbicides are chemicals that protect crops from weeds and invasive plant species. Pesticides (insecticides) are chemicals that protect crops from pests and insects.

“Herbicides are chemicals used to manipulate or control undesirable vegetation. Herbicide application occurs most frequently in row-crop farming, where they are applied before or during planting to maximize crop productivity by minimizing other vegetation. They also may be applied to crops in the fall, to improve harvesting.” — US EPA

“Insecticides are chemicals used to control insects by killing them or preventing them from engaging in undesirable or destructive behaviors.” — US EPA

 

ACTIVITY

Herbicide and Pesticide Word Search

Materials: Printed worksheet, pencil // Duration: 5 minutes

  • Pass out handouts to students

  • Go over answers at the end

LESSON

There are pros and cons to using herbicides and pesticides in farming. While both can help regulate the well-being of the crops, they can also be absorbed by the crop and get digested by consumers. The chemical components in herbicides and pesticides can also runoff into water sources, which contaminates the water and affects wildlife.

 
Previous

Invasive and Endangered Species
Next

Net Zero