Aquatic System
Mosquito Education Program

Grade Five   Ponds, Puddles and People

Students participate in activities that help them learn about the relationship between weather and mosquitoes, the life cycle of the mosquito, diseases transmitted by mosquitoes and mosquito control methods.  Students examine the difference between facts and opinions, are introduced to the science of taxonomy, and observe live "skeeter eaters"  during the unit.  They also learn about mosquito control methodologies and how those methods have changed in response to greater environmental awareness.

Grade Seven   Mosquitos and Other Insects

A presentation emphasizes both the importance of insects to natural systems and the health and economic problems posed by insects.

Many examples of exotic and local insects are presented and the students learn about entomology as they examine different species. Students participate in a “MicroMosquito” lab, viewing the mosquito life cycle and a comparison of male and female mosquitoes under the microscope. The program wraps up with a look at mosquito vectored diseases and a look at mosquito control methodologies.

Students participate in a "MicroMosquito" lab to reinforce knowledge presented.

High School Biology   Bacillus Sphaericus Bioassay

This unit focuses on the development, implementation, and analysis of a Bacillus sphaericus  bioassay.  (B. sphaericus is a naturally occurring bacteria used to control certain species of mosquito larvae.) During this lab experience, students realize that biological agents of control can be alternatives to chemical pesticides for pest control. The students make inferences and conclusions based on the results of this authentic science lab experience.

High School Chemistry   Pesticide Resistance Lab

The problem of insect resistance to pesticides is explored and the biological and economic consequences of resistance are discussed. During the lab experience students conduct a susceptibility test with Culex mosquito larvae. The results of the test are analyzed, evaluated and used in the discussions.