The use of weedicides is a controversial socio-scientific issue that our Year 10 Science students have been investigating this term.

The Year 10 science classes have been undertaking a trial using acetic acid, (the acid found in vinegar), as a weedkiller. They have been doing this in partnership with Toi Ohomai Polytech. Each group set up three different plots on weedy areas around the school. One  was a control with no spray, one was sprayed with 9.5% acetic acid spray and one with 16% acetic acid.

The students sprayed the two plots once and have been monitoring the results every week. Early results so far show that the acetic acid worked very quickly as can be seen in the photos, which are spaced one week apart.

Tauranga Council is reviewing its policy of weed control in the city and our results will contribute to their report. It has been great for our students to be involved in an example of a real life use of Science.