Poison Parks: Teaching about Pesticide Use in Communities
Professor Young Imm Kang Song, Ph.D; Charlotte Huffman, Med

Abstract
This paper considers how educators can use the topic of pesticides to spark deep, creative thinking and discussion about many different facets of environmental education, while simultaneously educating students how to stay safe when coming into contact with pesticides. In addition, integrating the arts as a learning device can encourage compelling engagement by students with environmental issues (e.g., pesticide use). In the arts, creativity and spontaneity is evoked, which can lead to unforeseen conclusions and possible solutions. This paper offers an example of a pesticide issues curriculum created by a graduate-level teacher/student for use in the preK-12 classroom or community education setting. The lessons indicate how the arts might be used to encourage a growth in awareness in young students, without making them and their parents “afraid” of nature. Such learning might also result not only in more awareness in kids, parents, and teachers, but in local officials taking new actions.

Full Text: PDF