Weed 'wanted' poster

Activity

Create a poster of a common weed in the school garden pointing out the key features to help others identify it.

  • Estimated time: 30 minutes
  • Location: Outdoors & Indoors
  • School term: All year round
  • Level of experience: No experience needed
  • Subject(s): English, Art&DT

Learning objectives

  • Identify the main parts of a plant
  • Draw and describe the key features of a weed
  • Begin to learn the names of some common weeds

Essential background information

Preparation

Dig up some weeds including their roots for the pupils to draw.Point out weeds in the garden that are growing near crops.

Equipment

  • Freshly dug up weeds from the garden (including their roots) 
  • Pencils and pens
  • Paper
  • Magnifying glass
  • Wildflower books 
  • Plant identification guides 

Step by step

  1. Explain to learners what a weed is and why gardeners want to dig them up when they are growing near their prize flowers and vegetables. Explain how it is important to be able to tell the difference between a weed and a plant you want to keep!
  2. Introduce the idea of a 'Wanted Poster' as used to track down criminals by the police. There would be a drawing of the person and a description of their features - hair colour, height, colour of eyes, perhaps a reward.
  3. By making a ‘Weed Wanted' poster, you will be able to track down weeds in the garden by recognising them.
  4. Draw a picture of a weed – showing its key features – how tall it is, leaf shape, flower colour, seed shape and size, type of roots. Use a magnifying glass to look closely.
  5. Make a poster by drawing, collage or on the computer.
  6. Think of a name for your weed that reflects what it is like, or write in the name it is best known by.

Hints & tips

  • Try to identify weeds using wild flower books, or Field Study Council guides.
  • Pick out the most common weeds and create a rogues' gallery of pictures, so learners begin to recognise these weeds.
  • Use this activity as part of Grow Your Own Lunch class growing topics.