School Garden

Phenomena or Problem: 

Two groups of lettuce can be growing under similar conditions, yet one group shows clear signs of insect damage while the other remains mostly unharmed. Lettuce growing next to basil seems to experience less insect damage than lettuce growing alone or near other plants.

Stimuli: How will students experience and/or observe the phenomenon/problem?

Students observe that lettuce plants in one area of a school garden are damaged by aphids, while lettuce growing in a different location appears healthy and pest-free. By comparing the conditions in both garden plots, students investigate whether nearby plants, such as basil, may influence pest activity and plant health.

Essential Question(s):

Could the presence of one plant influence how insects interact with another?