Pesticides

By Laurie A. Parendes, Scott H. Burris

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.

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Date Posted

07/18/2005

Overview

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

Subject Headings

Agriculture

Environmental Science

Natural Resource Management

Public Health

EDUCATIONAL LEVEL

High school, Undergraduate lower division

FORMAT

PDF

TOPICAL AREAS

Ethics, Policy issues, Regulatory issues, Social issues

LANGUAGE

English

TYPE/METHODS

Dilemma/Decision, Interrupted, Public Hearing

Teaching Notes & Answer Key

Teaching Notes

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Answer Key

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