Organically Grown? (Testing for Simulated Pesticide Residue)
kit #321
In this investigation, students will use a chemical test in order to determine whether fruit samples have been treated for any simulated pesticides. Based on their test results they grapple with the further question of which sample(s) could potentially be marketed as organic.
- Pesticides, chemicals used to control insects and other pest organisms, are used in production agriculture.
- All pesticides must be approved by the USDA.
- Low levels of pesticide can be detected using chemical tests.
- Organic production uses several classes of pesticides approved by the USDA.
Content List in Organically Grown? (Testing for Simulated Pesticide Residue) is as follows:
| Quantity | Description |
|---|---|
| 75 | pieces of dried apple |
| 80 | small plastic tasting cups |
| 8 | stir sticks |
| 4 | dropper bottles of “Pesticide 1” Indicator |
| 4 | dropper bottles of “Pesticide 2” Indicator |
| 4 | dropper bottles of “Pesticide 3” Indicator |
| 1 | 60-mL bottle of “Pesticide” Solution A |
| 1 | 60-mL bottle of “Pesticide” Solution B |
| 1 | 60-mL bottle of “Pesticide” Solution C |
| 32 | Student Guides |
| 1 | Teacher's Guide |
| 1 | SDS (Safety Data Sheet) packet |
- Number of groups
- maximum 8 groups per class
- Number of students
- maximum 32 (8 groups of 4 students)
- Number of classes
- sufficient materials for 2 classes
This activity takes one to two ~50 minute class periods to complete.
