Read the Label, Mabel Lesson

General Objective: Students will learn more about insect control and insecticides.

Specific Objectives: Discover:

·  Making decisions,

·  Recognize insecticide chemicals,

·  Understand information on insecticide labels, and

·  Learn insecticide safety.

Time: One hour

Resources needed: 4-H BU6854, pp 32, 33. Insecticides, pencil, photocopies of the Insecticides Label Information table, soap and water, photocopies of the attached worksheet.

Activity: Read insect control labels.

Discussion – 5 minutes:

·  Ask students what they know about insecticides.

·  How do they get rid of insects at home?

·  Explain that without some use of chemical insecticides, the loss of food, damage to clothing and destruction of the places in which we live would all be greatly increased. Insecticides can help to control the insects that transmit diseases to humans and animals.

·  Ask the students if there are consequences to using insecticides.

·  Explain that chemical insecticides cause cancer, birth defects, contaminate water, etc.

Activity – 15-20 minutes:

·  Hand out copies of the attached Insecticides Label Information table to the students.

·  Provide students with samples of common insecticides you collected at your home.

·  The students should read the label and complete the table by inserting the product name, insects controlled, and application and safety information.

·  Give the students time to compare and record their results.

·  After the students have completed their table, lead a discussion about what they have learned about insecticides that are in our homes.

·  Have the students complete the attached worksheet.

·  Collect table and worksheet.


Reference (4-H manual): 4-H Entomology, Level 2 (4-H BU6854)

Academic Standards:

Page / Activity / Grade / English / Science
32-33 / Read the Label, Mabel / 6th / 2.4, 4.2, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 6.1, 6.4, 6.5 / 1.2, 2.5, 5.4
7th / 1.2, 4.1, 4.4, 4.8, 4.9, 4.10, 6.5, 6.8, 6.9 / 1.2
8th / 1.3, 4.1, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, 6.1, 6.5, 6.6, 6.7 / 1.3


Insecticides Label Information

Product Name / Insects Controlled / Application and Safety Information


Read the Label, Mabel Worksheet

Instructions: Write your responses in complete sentences.

1.  What are the advantages of using an insecticide?

2.  What are the disadvantages of using insecticides?

3.  Why is it important to follow directions when applying insecticides?

4.  How do you believe insecticides should be stored in your home?

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