Deadly Straw

Topic
Resource Type
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
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)
Version History
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