The Mosquito Life Cycle Activity

Resource Type
Description
In this activity, students study the mosquito life cycle by breeding and observing them and then demonstrate how these data could be used to inform public policy.
Studying and understanding the mosquito life cycle is essential for effective pest control and disease prevention strategies. This activity describes the process for students to rear mosquitoes in chambers, allowing them to make observations through life stages without risking the release of the insects into the classroom. Students record how long it takes for adults to emerge, and calculate the sex ratio. Students also test variables that might affect the life cycle of the mosquito. Although it takes about two weeks for the mosquito life cycle to be completed, observations require only a few minutes each day. Students then analyze their results and propose how these data could be instructive for preventing the spread of infectious disease.
The supplemental “Mosquito Reference Document” includes information and illustrations about the mosquito life cycle. This activity also complements the concepts explored in the Click & Learn Stopping Mosquito-Borne Disease.
Student Learning Targets
- Understand the mosquito life cycle, including the major developmental stages.
- Develop and utilize protocols for a scientific investigation, including making detailed observations and analyzing experimental data.
- Demonstrate how scientific data can be used to design meaningful and executable public policy to prevent disease.
Estimated Time
Key Terms
disease, insect, mosquito, vector, viral disease
Terms of Use
Please see the Terms of Use for information on how this resource can be used.
Version History
NGSS (2013)
SEP3, SEP6
AP Biology (2019)
SP3, SP6
IB Biology (2016)
6.3
Common Core (2010)
ELA.RST.9–12.3, ELA.RST.9–12.7, ELA.WHST.9–12.1
Math.S-ID.2; MP6
Vision and Change (2009)
CC5; DP1, DP6