Ed Rajotte, Michelle Niedermeier, Lyn Garling, Pennsylvania
IPM Program, Penn State University
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) is part of the new Environment and Ecology Academic Standards in Pennsylvania. IPM curricular activities provide a dynamic vehicle for integration of multiple disciplines in a hands-on format. In IPM problem solving, students may use basic concepts in biology, ecology, math, chemistry and even history, sociology and the democratic process. In addition, since “pests” are relevant to everyone’s daily life, students can find many ways to relate to the subject matter. However, most teachers are unaware of IPM personally and/or professionally. The PA IPM Program has developed a curriculum for use in K-12 teacher trainings across the state, along with an information rich, searchable database on the website; http://paipm.cas.psu.edu