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New Invasive Species Video Now Available - November 2002
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - What is that large, beautiful purple plant you see growing along stream banks and marshlands? Don't be fooled by its beauty, this attractive plant is actually an invasive exotic species called purple loosestrife. This and other invasive weeds are identified in the Pennsylvania IPM Program's new video, "BugMobile vs. Invasive Species".
Geared toward lower and upper secondary students, the video addresses the several categories of the state's new Academic Standards: 4.1 - Watersheds and Wetlands, 4.3 - Environmental Health, and 4.5 - Integrated Pest Management. The video also offers suggestions for managing invasive species using integrated pest management (IPM).
IPM aims to manage pests -- such as insects, diseases, weeds and animals -- by combining physical, biological and chemical tactics that are safe and environmentally compatible.
The video, hosted and narrated by the famous BugMobile, the talking Volkswagen, identifies the effects of humans and human events on watersheds, explains species diversity, introduces species that are classified as pests in their new environment, and analyzes the benefits to the environment and society associated with alternative practices used in IPM.
Each video includes a lesson plan with content objectives, assessment strategies and procedures. The lesson plan also includes pre and post-tests for the students to complete, discussion questions and suggests other related extension activities.
To obtain a copy of the video and lesson plan, send a check or money order for $35 made payable to The Pennsylvania State University to ICT, 119 Ag Administration Building, University Park, PA 16802-2602. Visa and MasterCard orders will be accepted by calling (814) 865-6309. Shipping and handling costs are included in the price.
For more information on School IPM, see the PA IPM Program's web site at http://paipm.cas.psu.edu. Under the "Schools" link find out more about the School IPM effort in Pennsylvania and links to educational material from across the country. You can also download a new publication, IPM for Pennsylvania Schools, A How-To Manual. In addition, there is an interactive database on the web site to assist teachers with IPM background information, lesson plans and support materials throughout the U.S.
The PA IPM program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aimed at promoting integrated pest management in both agricultural and nonagricultural situations. For more information, contact the program at (814) 865-2839, or web site http://paipm.cas.psu.edu.