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The Mosquito Life Cycle Activity

Image from the activity showing the mosquito trap components

Topic

  • Microbiology
  • Pathogens & Disease
  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • Zoology
  • Science Practices
  • Data Analysis

Resource Type

  • Activities
  • Lessons

Level

High School — GeneralHigh School — AP/IB
Saved By
6 Users
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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

One 50-minute class period for set-up, plus 11 to 14 days for observation.

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

Date Published 03.07.10
Date Updated 05.29.18

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

Materials

Download Educator Materials (PDF) 660 KB
Download Student Handout (PDF) 225 KB
Download Mosquito Reference Document (PDF) 520 KB
Download Educator Materials - Español (PDF) 661 KB
Download Student Handout - Español (PDF) 233 KB
Download Mosquito Reference Document - Español (PDF) 517 KB

Additional Materials

  • Mosquito Reference Document (download)
  • plastic emergence chamber 
  • mosquito eggs or larvae
  • mosquito food 
  • sugar cube 
  • magnifying glass
     

Use This Resource With

Interactive Media Resource
Stopping Mosquito-Borne Disease

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