Organically Grown? Testing for Simulated Pesticide Residue

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. Accommodates one class with 8 groups of 4 students.

SCIENCE CONCEPTS:

• 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

INCLUDES:

• 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 (for preparing Apple A samples)
• 1 60 mL bottle of Pesticide Solution B (for preparing Apple A samples)
• 1 60 mL bottle of Pesticide Solution C (for preparing Apple A samples)
• 32 Student Worksheet and Guides
• 1 Teacher's Guide
• 1 SDS (Safety Data Sheet) packet