Invasive Species Video Now Online

Online, December 2, 2011 (Newswire.com) - Asian longhorned beetle, purple loosestrife and other invasive species are included in the Pennsylvania IPM Program's video, "BugMobile vs. Invasive Species", which can now be viewed on the program's website at http://extension.psu.edu/ipm/resources/bugmobile-vs.-invasive-species.

Geared toward lower and upper secondary students, the video addresses the several categories of the Pennsylvania's Academic Standards. The video offers suggestions for managing invasive species using integrated pest management (IPM). 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.

The video is hosted and narrated by PA IPM's talking car, The BugMobile, and identifies the effects of humans and human events on watersheds, explains species diversity, introduces species that are classified as pests in their new environment, and analyzes the benefits to the environment and society associated with alternative practices used in IPM.

In addition, a lesson plan with content objectives, assessment strategies and procedures is also available as a downloadable PDF from the program's website. The lesson plan also includes pre and post-tests for the students to complete, discussion questions and suggests other related extension activities.

For more information on school IPM, see the PA IPM Program's web site at www.paipm.org. 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 PA IPM's 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.

The Pennsylvania IPM program is a collaboration between the Pennsylvania State University and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture aimed at promoting integrated pest management in both agricultural and urban settings. For more information, contact the program at 814-865-2839, or go to www.paipm.org.