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Educators

In Pennsylvania, Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is one of nine components of the newly adopted Academic Standards in Environment and Ecology. IPM is a scientific, ecological approach to managing all types of "pests", from deer in your fruit trees, to "bugs" in your basement, to diseases in crop plants and weeds in your lawn. Even head lice in schools can be handled using an IPM approach! The specific IPM standard is number 5 of nine different subject areas within the Environment and Ecology standards.

puppet team

IPM Checklist for Teachers

  • Be familiar with the new standards in Environment & Ecology related to Integrated Pest Management.
  • Recognize that IPM has elements of many different subjects including biology, social studies, math, chemistry, so teaching IPM across the curriculum is the best approach.
  • Work with your colleagues & administrators to integrate IPM into the existing curriculum.
  • Review curriculum resources on PA IPM Web site
  • Attend an IPM training session (see upcoming events)
  • Contact PA IPM for help with any training or curricular needs.
  • Make sure that IPM is being used on your school grounds
  • Look for service learning opportunities for your students

How Can IPM Be Used in Teaching?
IPM relies on information on the identity and biology of a pest species, combined with the agreed upon needs of people. For example, a few flies are usually no problem, but a few mosquitoes carrying a disease is a potential threat. If a potential problem exists, an IPM approach considers how to use multiple tactics to prevent pests first. If direct action must be taken, the safest, most effective way to suppress pests is chosen. Thus, IPM is also a real-world ecological problem-solving model. Young children can begin simply by learning how to observe the details of the world around them and identify the different organisms involved. Older children can investigate details more closely and engage in experiments. An IPM activity can touch on many disciplines and be adapted to many areas in pre-existing curriculum.

Service learning
Service-learning projects can teach students IPM tactics through real-world, hands-on practice within their school or community. Students can work with a school IPM coordinator or facility manager to develop and implement an IPM plan for their school building, grounds or playing fields. The Community IPM Program of PA IPM currently has a successful service learning program at Shaw Middle School in Philadelphia. Also see the news release "School Reduces Pesticide Use While Educating Students".

Educational Opportunities & Resources for Educators
PA IPM Program staff are working together with students and teachers in PA to help them learn about IPM and how to use IPM concepts effectively in class by giving talks, workshops and short courses (see our list of Upcoming Events). 

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