Implementation of a sustainable pest management curriculum in Hawaii public schools

"Educate to Eradicate" is a K-12 curriculum project using termite biology and control as the basis for science education that has been implemented in over 200 Hawaii public school classrooms; and is coupled with community education efforts. The present study has been initiated to (1) identify factors that influence the adoption and continuation of pest management curricula in public school classrooms, and (2) evaluate the efficacy of community education efforts. This will be accomplished in part by a survey of partner teachers to identify characteristics correlated with either sustained use or discontinuation of the curriculum, such as perceptions of project content/pedagogy, science background, teacher training, and teacher/school demographics. Secondly, we evaluate gains in teacher knowledge and skills, changes in instructional practice and student learning. Lastly, efficacy of the program in promoting termite suppression will be measured through student engagement in extension activities and changes in prevention knowledge. The goal of this program is a self-sustaining curriculum that will require limited institutional inputs, increase science literacy in Hawaii schools, and help to protect current and future homeowners from termite damages.