Educators
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).