Pesticides

Can We Do Without Them?

Co Authors:	Laurie A. Parendes Department of Geosciences Edinboro University of Pennsylvania lparendes@edinboro.edu Scott H. Burris Department of Agricultural Education and Communications Texas Tech University scott.burris@ttu.edu
Abstract:	By simulating a public hearing, this case study requires that students sift through and organize information on pesticide use presented to them from the perspective of different stakeholders. The case asks a fundamental question, Can we do without pesticides?, and gives students an opportunity to explore the ecological, ethical, economic, social, and political issues surrounding that question. Developed for an environmental issues course, the case would be appropriate for any introductory course that addresses human-environment interactions.
Objectives:	Define the terms "pest" and "pesticide" and give specific examples. Discuss benefits and harmful effects of pesticide use. Discuss implications of banning pesticides. Articulate the dilemmas underlying this case, including the ecological, ethical, economic, social, and political issues involved.
Keywords:	Pest; pesticide; avicide herbicide; fungicide; molluscicide; ovicide; rodenticide; herbicide; Silent Spring; Rachel Carson
Topical Area:	Ethics, Policy issues, Regulatory issues, Social issues
Educational Level:	High school, Undergraduate lower division
Formats:	PDF
Type/Method:	Dilemma/Decision, Interrupted, Public Hearing
Language:	English
Subject Headings:	Environmental Science Natural Resource Management Agriculture Public Health
Date Posted:	07/18/05
Date Modified:	N/A
Copyright:	Copyright held by the National Center for Case Study Teaching in Science, University at Buffalo, State University of New York. Please see our usage guidelines, which outline our policy concerning permissible reproduction of this work.

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