School IPM for Educators

Topic Area

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

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.

Mrs. Sherry Buck and her 8th grade class from Keith Jr. High School in Altoona, PA. The class wrote scripts for puppet shows to teach younger students about IPM! Puppet scripts (PDF): Name That Predator, Good Bug/Bad Bug

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). Also, outreach by Penn State Department of Entomology's summer "Bug Camp for Teachers" and courses offered by the Department of Forest Resources and Fisheries help teachers gain proficiency and resources in other areas of the Environment and Ecology Standards.

See our news releases on School IPM to read about recent happenings concerning IPM in schools. Includes news releases "IPM Part of New Academic Standards" , "IPM Part of Elementary School Project", "Teachers Go To School To Learn IPM" and others.

Scroll down for a listing of general IPM resources for educators. Please see our School IPM Resources Database for detailed lesson plans & resources specific to the PA standards.

PSU Entomology Science Education

Bug Camp for Kids
The Great Insect Fair
Advanced Bug Camp for Kids
Teaching with Insects
IPM in the Classroom
Resources for Educators
Frost Entomological Museum