Presenter Abstracts for the 2007 Annual Workshop
Hands-on Label Comprehension, Emelie Swackhamer
Get your audience involved when teaching label comprehension! Pesticide Peril is a game show-style teaching tool that is available in two formats. The "unplugged" format uses a simple display board, does not need electricity or projectors, and is useful for classes in farm buildings or in light greenhouses. A PowerPoint format is also available, which is especially useful for larger audiences. Use our questions or substitute your own to teach virtually any topic. In the first year Emelie used this game, she used the unplugged version to teach core credits at 24 events, reaching 1,099 people. Other educators also borrowed it to present a fun session for their audiences with minimal preparation time. Participants have identified it as a very effective teaching tool and have commented "I've been coming to meetings for 30 years, and this was the best core credit I ever attended".
Nozzle Selection, Dwight Lingenfelter
This session deals with an overview of the fundamentals of sprayer nozzle design, utility, and selection. A discussion about nozzle use including droplet size, pressure range, pattern integrity, spacing, and drift management will be covered. The use of a sprayer table and other teaching tools will be demonstrated. The emphasis of this session will focus more on applied aspects of nozzle selection and use for a field setting.
Pesticide Formulation, Patricia Hipkins
This session begins with a discussion of why, when, and how pesticide safety educators need to use a "pesticide" in programs – and what readily-available, (relatively) non-toxic household products can substitute for actual formulated pesticides. This is followed by an activity that reinforces the properties of various pesticide formulations. The session concludes with an activity that uses substitute "pesticides" to teach and demonstrate incompatibility. (If/as time permits, the group will discuss active learning – what is and what is not – and the pros, cons, and logistics of conducing "hands-on" training sessions.)
Toxicity & Exposure Reduction, Dr. Kerry Hoffman-Richards
Fluorescent markers are used to explore the role of personal protective equipment in preventing pesticide exposure. Participants will perform several types of "pesticide" applications and then be analyzed for exposure. Kerry supplies each person with a container of the fluorescent marker for future training purposes.
Calibration Demonstration, Wayne Buhler
An overview of the principles and methods of equipment calibration will be given. This will be followed by participation in a "get-your-hands-wet" calibration exercise involving the calibration of liquid and granular application equipment. Educational resources on diluting pesticides, selecting nozzle tips, and measuring treatment areas will be provided.