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Deadly Straw

Electron micrograph of a mosquito proboscis coated in blood cells
Topic
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Animal Behavior
  • Zoology
  • Science Practices
  • Explanations & Argumentation
Resource Type
  • Activities
  • Phenomenal Images
Level
High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Favorited By
1 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.
     
Details
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

The documents for this resource meet accessibility standards in accordance with the final rule for Section 508 of the National Rehabilitation Act.
Version History
Date Published 01.16.17
Date Updated 10.14.20
Curriculum Connections
NGSS (2013)

HS-LS-2-8; SEP1

AP Biology (2019)

EVO-3.A; SP3

IB Biology (2016)

A.6 

AP Environmental Science (2013)

II.A

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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