Entomology and Plant Pathology

Dr. Jerome Grant, Professor

Teaching

I am responsible for teaching the following formal classes (my course materials are accessed through CourseInfo, the University’s automated course management system (a password is needed for access to these sites) (however, a website for our “Insects in the Classroom” teacher workshop is available at: http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/SummerWorkshop/).

Diseases and Insects of Ornamental Plants (Entomology and Plant Pathology 410) (3 cr.) - Symptoms, identification and management of diseases and insect pests that affect plants in greenhouse, nursery, and landscape environments [co-taught with Dr. Mark Windham in Spring, odd-numbered years].

Integrated Pest Management (Entomology and Plant Pathology 530, Plant and Soil Science 530) (3 cr.) - Principles and application of biological, cultural, genetic, chemical, and behavioral methods of control to maintain pest populations below economic threshold levels [taught in Fall, even-numbered years].

Advanced Integrated Pest Management (Entomology and Plant Pathology 533) (1 cr) - Continuation of Integrated Pest Management - Advantages and limitations to real-life incorporation of integrated pest management into on-farm situations [taught in Spring, odd-numbered years].

Integrated Pest Management for Extension (Special Problem in Entomology, Entomology and Plant Pathology 531) (3 cr.) - This course is taught as part of the Extension Winter School; Principles and application of biological, cultural, genetic, chemical, and behavioral methods of practical control to maintain pest populations below economic threshold levels in agricultural and urban habitats [offered as part of the curriculum for the Extension Winter School; course is offered on a rotating basis; last offered Spring 2001].</p>

Graphics in Science (Entomology and Plant Pathology 533) (1 cr) - Development, design, and use of graphical and tabular information for publication and/or oral presentation or display [taught in Fall, even-numbered years].

Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies (Entomology and Plant Pathology 200) (3 cr.) - This team-taught course (I am one of many lecturers) focuses on examples of how human societies have been influenced by insect and plant diseases [taught in Fall, odd-numbered years].

Insects in the Classroom (2 cr) - A week-long summer workshop targeted at K-4 teachers was developed to enhance natural science curricula in underserved and underprivileged rural counties. This workshop was developed and conducted during 2001 and 2002 through funding by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission and the Eisenhower Professional Development Grants Program. A website [http://eppserver.ag.utk.edu/SummerWorkshop/] provides additional information about this educational activity (teachers may take this workshop for 2 graduate credits through Special Problems in Entomology [EPP 531]).

I also am involved in the following Teaching Activities to improve course offerings:

Electronic Course Development (3 cr) - “Insects and Diseases of Ornamental Plants” (EPP 410) is being developed into a multidisciplinary (entomology, plant pathology, general plant care, and integrated pest management) distance education, web-based electronic course. This course will be offered to students at other universities and small colleges where the expertise to teach these subjects may not be available. The purpose is to improve the undergraduate education of students in agriculture-related programs in Tennessee.

Development of Electronic Instructional Modules - Received a grant to develop technology-mediated instructional modules to strengthen current courses and enhance a new undergraduate course (Impact of Insects and Plant Diseases on Human Societies). These modules, which will be presented in a fun and easy-to-use manner, will introduce students to various aspects of entomology and plant pathology

I am a firm believer in spreading the news about entomology to “students” of all ages - from kindergarten to senior citizens. Thus, I developed an Educational Outreach Program that annually reaches thousands of children and adults. This program would not be possible without the assistance of many people, including graduate students. If you are looking for fun and experience working with children, then these outreach activities are perfect for you!:

Educational Outreach Program - During the last 12 years, an educational outreach program was developed to deliver entomological experiences to elementary school-age children and to youth, in general, via various educational outlets. In the past few years alone, we have shared our knowledge of insects with thousands of school-age children through this educational outreach program, which encourages students to think about science, agriculture, and the environment through the use of insects as learning tools. Graduate students are recruited to assist in these presentations, which are usually targeted at primary and intermediate school children. We visit 10-20 school groups each year, depending upon available time and personnel, serving thousands of children and adults annually. Similar programs also have been developed for home-taught students who visit our department. We also conduct numerous insect-related programs for various functions [e.g., UT Open House, Ag Day, Discovery Day (McClung Museum), Dogwood Arts Festival, Field Days, Earth Days, etc.].

“Totally Buggy” - An outreach non-credit personal development course is offered annually through the Smoky Mountain Field School. This course, taught every spring in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, is available to youth and adults.

Find out how Dr. Grant gets teachers buggy about using insects as teaching tools in the Tennessee Land, Life & Science article, "Bug's Rule!" (Vol. 1/No. 2/2003).

Dr. Grant was featured in the June/July 2003 ITC Faculty Spotlight for use of technology in teaching. Learn more about how Dr. Grant is integrating technology into his teaching practice:
" Of Computers, Bugs, and Walking Sticks...An Entomological Journey" available via http://itc.utk.edu/showcase/spotlight/.

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