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Deadly Straw

Electron micrograph of a mosquito proboscis coated in blood cells

Topic

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Zoology
  • Scientific Skills & Literacy
  • Explanations & Argumentation

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Phenomenal Images

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Saved By
5 Users
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Description

This activity explores an image of a mosquito’s mouthparts, which serves as a phenomenon for learning about vectors of disease. 

Mosquitos are effective vectors that transmit disease-causing pathogens. Mosquitoes are the main vectors, for example, for the pathogens that cause dengue, chikungunya, West Nile fever, and Zika. Biologists and medical experts work to control the spread of vector-borne diseases by studying the life cycle, physiology, and behavior of vectors and the pathogens they carry. By understanding vectors and their pathogens, we can better understand how diseases spread and how to develop effective management and control strategies to reduce disease transmission.

The “Educator Materials” document includes background information and implementation suggestions for using the image as a phenomenon. The “Student Handout” includes the image and background information. 

The “Resource Google Folder” link directs to a Google Drive folder of resource documents in the Google Docs format. Not all downloadable documents for the resource may be available in this format. The Google Drive folder is set as “View Only”; to save a copy of a document in this folder to your Google Drive, open that document, then select File → “Make a copy.” These documents can be copied, modified, and distributed online following the Terms of Use listed in the “Details” section below, including crediting BioInteractive.  

Student Learning Targets

  • Examine images of phenomena, make observations, and ask questions.
  • Collaborate with peers on ideas, ask questions that require higher levels of reasoning, and develop deeper understanding of concepts.
  • Apply knowledge about the biology of mosquitoes to construct hypotheses, experiments, and disease management strategies.
     

Estimated Time

Within one 50-minute class period.

Key Terms

disease transmission, emerging disease, host, mosquito, pathogen, vector, vector-borne disease

Terms of Use

Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.

Accessibility Level (WCAG compliance)

PDF files meet criteria.

Version History

Date Published 01.16.17
Date Updated 10.14.20

NGSS (2013)

HS-LS-2-8; SEP1

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-3.A; SP3

IB Biology (2016)

A.6 

AP Environmental Science (2020)

Topic(s): 8.15
Learning Objectives & Practices: EIN-3.D, SP2

IB Environmental Systems and Societies (2017)

2.1

Common Core (2010)

ELA.WHST.9-12.9

Vision and Change (2009)

CC5

Materials

Image (JPG) 53 KB
Resource Google Folder (link)
Educator Materials (PDF) 391 KB
Student Handout (PDF) 252 KB

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