The following activity is designed to explore students’ prior knowledge of weeds, and generate class discussion. Teachers who are themselves unfamiliar with weed issues can read the notes (Some background information on weeds) which will help direct and stimulate initial discussions.

You will need: a bunch of weeds/plants in a jug of water.

• What are weeds?
• Where do weeds come from?
• What are some common weed habitats?
• How do weeds spread?
• When do weeds become a problem?
• Why do people weed the garden, the farm, the roadside?
• What are the differences between weeds on farms, urban weeds and environmental or invasive weeds?