Unit 9: Crop Pests

Introduction:

This unit provides an overview of two major plant pests--insects and weeds--and how climate change may alter their impact on agricultural production. Students will collect and identify common agricultural pests.

Unit Placement in the Course:

While this unit can stand alone, it is recommended to use it following the GPS unit (Unit 8) so that students can use previously acquired skills to create pest maps displaying the location and photographs of the pests they are collecting.

Required Supplies:

Weed Collection & Identification Lab Activity:

Plant press
- Inexpensive presses can be made from plywood, cardboard and compression straps.
Newspaper or drying paper

Cardstock (for mounting plants)
Contact Paper or laminating film (for sealing in plant specimens)
Plant/weed field guide
Optional:
- GPS (Student cell phones may be able to do both GPS and photos)
- Digital Camera

Insect Collection & Identification Lab Activity:

Many pre-made versions of school insect collection kits are available commercially. Ordering items individually or manufacturing them yourself can save significant money. Some items to include in your kits include:

Bug Nets
Aspirators
Collecting/kill Jars
Magnifying lenses
Insect pins
Display boxes or foam core poster board
Wax paper (for butterflies and moths)
ID Key
Insect field guide

Full Supply List...

Materials Provided:

Three PowerPoint presentations
Teacher notes on most slides to help guide class discussion
Two collection lab activities
Readings on pests and climate change

Estimated Teaching Time:

Minimum of five 50-minute class periods
Note that this unit can take more time if student collection and identification activities are conducted primarily during class time.