Getting IPM in K-12 Curriculum Opportunities and Challenges Lyn Garling, Program Manager PA IPM Program Penn State University

Three Main Efforts by PA IPM Program IPM in Schools –Teacher curricula and related activities –IPM implementation in schools Philly School and Community IPM Partnership (PSCIP) –Shaw Middle School “Pest Patrol” Service Learning Public Outreach –The BugMobile –The Great Insect Fair (Insect Olympics)

IPM in Schools: Curriculum Academic Standard in Environment and Ecology K-12 includes IPM (4, 7, 10, 12th) 3-day residential course for teachers Full-day workshops Half-day workshops Pre-service teacher classes New, age-appropriate resources, lesson plans

What helps to get IPM in MAKE IT FUN and interesting! Relate to: basic concepts already taught hands-on learning real-world problem solving critical thinking and social understanding Emphasize interdisciplinary aspects

IPM for Teachers course

Now on-line Google “PA IPM” see “resources”

Lots of fun activities can be done in the classroom with the help of a few insect friends.

Mouthpart Madness!

Cricket Hop

Honeybee Scavenger Hunt

Haulin’ Pollen

IPM Information for Teachers Website ( Database indexed to standards Lesson plan accumulation from teachers Resource lists & video lending library On-line courses? Outreach at other events; The BugMobile!

Shaw Middle School Service Learning Teach Teachers First

“ Real-world science ” Learning & sharing information pest identification pest behavior how to ask scientific question & find experimental answers how to apply knowledge to make positive changes at school & home

School IPM Inspection By “ Pest Patrol ”

National Service Learning Conference Presentation Health Fair/Parent Information Night

Challenges to getting IPM in Lack of recognition of IPM in general Who can take the lead on IPM for schools? Multiple, changing demands on teachers Integrating into existing curricula is complex –Elementary –Middle –High School Time /person-power

Opportunities for getting IPM in IPM “fits” with many disciplines Pre-existing venues –Teacher Association conferences (Science, Enviro) –Ag in the Classroom –Governors’ Institutes for teacher training –Family and Consumer Science teacher training Departments of Education “Vo-tech” schools / ”citizen science” Opportunity to make a difference!