Ag teachers test curriculum on sustainabilityIt was bugs and more bugs for Iowa high school agriculture teachers who participated in a two-day in-service training in June. Nearly 40 instructors got their first peek at the new sustainable Horticulture and Biological Control curriculum, which they will test with their classes this year. They also got a close-up look at two beneficial insects-the aphid-eating larvae of the lacewing moth, and beetles that chow down on prolific purple loosestrife. Two years in the making, the new curriculum is supported by a competitive grant from the Leopold Center. The notebook was developed by teachers as well as faculty from the ISU horticulture, entomology and agricultural education and studies departments. Rich Pirog, who coordinates the Center's educational programs, wrote the module about food systems. The supporting web site is at http://www.hort.iastate.edu/sustain/. Teachers are asked to use the material this coming school year and make suggestions for improvement. Return to Fall 1999 Leopold Letter index |