Outdoor Weed Investigation

Greetings, young Nature Detective! Get ready for an exciting journey into the mysterious world of weeds, those sneaky plants that pop up everywhere. Today, you'll uncover their secrets using your senses! You'll feel their textures, smell their scents, and explore their colors and shapes. If you need assistance, enlist an observation partner and embark on this weedy adventure together. Are you up for the challenge?​

What You'll Need:

  • Curiosity and Imagination
  • ​Nature Journal, and pencils
  • Braille slate and stylus 
  • (Tactile) drawing paper
  • Favorite drawing tools
  • Tactile markers
  • Gardening gloves 
  • Internet access for research 
  • Screen reader (if available)
  • Optional: family member or friend to assist

Instructions:

Step 1. What is a Weed:
  • Find out why a plant is called a weed. 
  • Use the internet or gardening books to find pictures of weeds and learn about their features, where they come from, how they grow, and why they are considered different from other plants.
  • Use a screen reader to assist if needed.


Step 2. Connecting with Friends and Family:
Talk to friends and family who love gardening. Ask them how weeds affect their garden and what they do to manage them.


Step 3. Weed Discovery:
Now, it's time to commence your weed hunt! Begin by checking your surroundings. Weeds can sprout anywhere a bit of soil gathers. They can pop up in the most surprising locations—gardens, pathway cracks, even on walls or window sills. Invite your observation partner to join your expedition and lend a hand if needed.


Step 4. Discover Your Weed Through Your Senses:
Use your senses to learn about the weed. Feel their leaves, stems, and any unique features. 
​
​For example:
  • Touch: Describe the weed. Is it smooth or prickly, flexible or rigid?
  • Sight: How would you describe the size and shape of the leaves and stems? If you have low or no vision, use your other senses to explore the plant and describe what you can.
  • Scent: Some weeds may have a distinctive smell when touched; describe any scents you notice.
  • Sound: Gently shake the leaves or stems. Do you hear any sounds? If so, what? If you are deaf or hard of hearing, use your other senses to explore the plant and describe what you can.


5. Document Your Findings:
  • Make notes or sketches of your observations in your Nature Journal, braille slate, or on (tactile) drawing paper.
  • If the weed is not too big, pull it out of the ground and bag it to help identify the species when you return indoors.
  • Otherwise, take photos of the weed and its surroundings to help identify the species.
  • If working with an observation partner, get them to help you find and bag a weed and describe its color and characteristics if necessary.


Step 6. Weed Identification: 
Time to put on your detective cap! You're on the trail of some sneaky plants. See if you can figure out which weed species you've found. Undertake online investigations to discover their names and unique traits. 


Step 7. Collaborative Discoveries: 
If you collaborated with an observation partner, share and discuss your discoveries, observations, and findings. Document this information in your Nature Journal or on your braille slate, being sure to include any sensory observations made throughout the exploration.


Step 8. Questions
Now that you have thoroughly investigated and uncovered some fascinating weed facts, capture your findings by recording the answers to the following questions in your Nature Journal or on your braille slate. 

  1. What are the differences between weeds and other plants? 
  2. What types of weeds did you find in your garden, and how do they differ in appearance and characteristics?
  3. How do weeds impact the growth and health of other plants in your garden or nature?
  4. What did you learn about weeds by touching them? How did the forms and textures vary among different weed species?
  5. Have you observed any wildlife or insects interacting with the weeds in your garden? If so, describe these interactions.
  6. How have technological developments—such as online platforms and gardening apps—transformed how gardeners recognize and control weeds?
  7. Reflect on your overall experience with discovering weeds in your garden. What surprised you the most, and what new insights have you gained about the role of weeds in the ecosystem?


Step 9. Share Your Discoveries: ​
Your investigation is complete, and you have uncovered much information about weeds. Share your observations and findings with friends, family, or anyone important to you! Sharing is an excellent, fun way to learn even more about gardening!


Conclusion:
This weed-exploration activity enhances your understanding of the environment. Your journey of discovery, research, and creativity revealed the importance of even the tiniest plants in our world. Have fun, young Nature Detective, and keep observing, learning, and appreciating the nature around you!​

Image credit: Photograph by Svetlana Dubanevich