Before You Begin

• Arrest That Pest! is an easy-to-use program designed to combine science and civic efficacy so that students can extend their knowledge to promote ownership of the environment as they examine the destructive behavior of an invasive species that is harming their community. In addition, Arrest That Pest! provides specific opportunities for students to become a part of the solution to the problem.

• The science-based, multidisciplinary lessons in this guide are split over five days and incorporate Indiana standards-based learning models. Lessons can be adjusted to reflect individual teaching styles and available classroom time.

• The unit culminates in a nature walk to conduct surveys to identify local ash trees and survey for signs and symptoms of the borer. In addition, students will design their own campaigns to spread the word about Emerald Ash Borer and the threat it represents, and demonstrate civic efficacy (engaging in the inquiry and debate required to make informed decisions about real social issues, then following up with appropriate social or civic action) by enlisting the help of others to help slow the spread on local, state, and regional levels.

• This program can be used to inspire and challenge students to play a pivotal role in slowing the spread of Emerald Ash Borer through the use of cross-curricular,student-friendly lessons, hands on tools, and vocabulary.
  • Scientific information:  Arrest That Pest! contains information about the biology and signs and symptoms of  EAB, characteristics of the ash trees it destroys, and information about how to slow the spread to protect ash trees for as long as possible is included for students to learn and share with others.
  • Student friendly activity sheets:  Activity sheets are included to help students learn about the beetle, create their own outreach campaigns, and extend their knowledge to others.
  • Hands-on tools for learning and identification:Background information included here scaffolds students' understanding of the problem EAB represents and empowers them to take action to slow the spread.
  • Vocabulary words:New words are highlighted in bold.  Concepts relate to biology, entomology, ecology, communication, civic efficacy, and community service.