Classroom discussion of plant competition, succession and possible uses of chemical by plants for their protection. Discuss allelopathy and the role it might play in competition and succession. Begin journal for allelopathy and record discussion information. Visit a wetland populated with some purple loosestrife as well as other species. Identify the more dominate species.
Students ask questions about possible allelopathic interactions between the identified plants.
Choose several plants to test for possible allelopathy. Decide which seed or seeds will be bio-indicators. Record in journal. Collect 10 or more leaves for each chosen plant. Place leaves in labeled plastic bags.