Living with Insects in the Big City. Urban Insect Ecology and Safe Pest Management. A Science Curriculum for Grades K-3.

This program has 10 units, each to be taught in 40-50 minute periods. Each unit includes a statement of purpose, concepts to be taught, a list of necessary materials, preparation, and graphics. Guidelines are provided for 10-15 minutes of introduction with classroom discussion, 15-20 minutes of activities and 5-10 minutes of wrap-up discussion. Recommendations for follow up activities are also included. A general introduction to insects can be found at the beginning of the curriculum. Detailed information on non-toxic pest control for some common pests has been included in the appendices. The five general insect graphics provided can be used throughout the project as visual aids and some suggestions for use have been included in specific units. Topics include: urban insects; live insects; chain of life; pesticides; media and insects; biting insects; kitchen insects; and pest management. Although the units have been developed to follow a sequence of concepts dealing primarily with non-toxic pest control, they can also be used separately as parts of any environmental or natural science curriculum. (MVL)