Biodiversity Activity 3 Resources

Potatoes, Pesticides, and Biodiversity

Overview:  Students will develop an understanding of some of the costs and benefits of using pesticides and of how those products affect biodiversity. They will research pesticides and learn about alternatives to the reliance on pesticides for growing potatoes.

Earth & Sky Radio Correlations
This activity can be supplemented with related Earth & Sky radio shows that you can download for use in your classroom. Learn about the PLT and Earth & Sky Initiative.

Related Earth & Sky Shows:
 - How to Read Produce Labels   
 - Catherine Badgely Believes Organic Agriculture Can Scale Up   
 - Aaron Strickland’s Nano Biosensor May Help Farmers manage Crops   
 - Tyrone Hayes Thinks Scientists Should Speak More Loudly to Public and Law-Maker  

Additional Resources:
United Nations Announces 2008 "International Year of the Potato"
The potato’s outstanding nutrition profile, health benefits, and ability to feed the masses were key to the UN's declaration of 2008 as the “International Year of the Potato.” The designation was approved as a way to help the UN meet its Millennium Development Goals.

Home Grown Wisconsin Potatoes Initiative
 Questions regarding the Initiative can be directed to:
      1) Deana Knuteson, NPM Program, UW-Madison; dknuteson@wisc.edu; 608-265-9798
      2) Mike Carter, Wisconsin Potato and Vegetable Growers Association; mcarter@wisconsinpotatoes.com; 715-623-7683
      3) Sarah Lynch, World Wildlife Fund; sarah.lynch@wwfus.org; 202-778-9781