News & Information

August 1, 2004 (Dunn Loring, VA) - The National Pest Management Association's (NPMA) new kid's website has added new information to better equip students headed back to school in the fall. The website, www.pestworldforkids.org, now features three interactive learning games and five comprehensive sections to learn more about pests and the dangers they pose.

According to NPMA Public Affairs Director Cindy Mannes, "Since launching the site last winter, we've been overwhelmed with positive feedback. Teachers everywhere are incorporating the site into their lesson plans; students are using it for research projects and more and more kids are accessing it just to play the games!"

When students log on, they can choose from several different activities. The Amazing Pests section differentiates between a critter and a pest and highlights little-known facts. The Threats and Prevention activities provide information on pest-related health and property dangers, and tips on how to avoid these threats. Students can quiz themselves, and even send "pestcards" to their friends.

The newest interactive learning game - Pest Rangers - provides students with the opportunity to act as a pest control professional and solve common household pest problems. The game is designed to teach deductive reasoning skills, hone problem solving capabilities and develop an appreciation for the world of pests.

"Many teachers are trying to simplify complex pest-borne diseases, like West Nile Virus, so that children are more aware of them. This website is a great tool for children researching science projects on these topics. It boils down the abstract issues and explains the concepts so that children can grasp the information," commented Mannes.

Three comprehensive lesson plans are offered to teachers on the site. The lesson plans are designed for students in kindergarten through second grade and third through fifth grade. Teachers can download the plans and related activity resources to share with their classes. An educational website developer integrated educational theories, curriculum standards and National Science Foundation requirements in all of the site components.

To visit the site, log on to www.pestworldforkids.org.

The NPMA, a non-profit organization with more than 6,000 members, was established in 1933 to support the pest management industry's commitment to the protection of public health, food and property, reflected both in the continuing education of the pest control professional and the dissemination of timely information to homeowners and businesses.

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