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Join Our Pest Patrol! - January 2002
UNIVERSITY PARK, PA - Now kids can join the "Tree Hole Mosquito Patrol" while "Wising up to Worms" with the Pennsylvania IPM Program's new publication, Join Our Pest Patrol.
Join Our Pest Patrol is a fun, educational resource for Pennsylvania teachers of students in grades 3-4. The workbook addresses the new Academic Standards in environment and ecology, section 4.5.4, "Integrated Pest Management".
Integrated Pest Management, or 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.
Students will learn whether a pictured insect is a "pest or guest", find out about weeds such as dandelions and purple loosestrife and learn pesticide safety through fun and educational activities such as crossword puzzles, fill in the blanks, mazes and picture drawing.
Also available is the accompanying "Teacher Guide" that includes facts, investigations, activities and resources to support children's curiosity and extended learning. Concepts include distinguishing weed and insect pests from beneficial plants and insects, understanding why humans want to manage pests, recognizing common pests in our homes, gardens, and neighborhoods, choosing the least toxic ways to manage pests and safeguarding against pesticide risks. The guide will help teachers better explain IPM to kids.
Copies of the publication can be downloaded as printable PDF files from the PA IPM Program's web site at http://paipm.cas.psu.edu/resources.html#ourresources. You can also obtain hard copies by contacting the PA IPM Program at (814) 865-2839.
For more information on School IPM, go to 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 another 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.