Beating Mosquitoes at Their Own Game

Overview

In this lesson, students will investigate how humans, through biotechnology, can influence the characteristics of organisms to ultimately take a stance on the best way to combat an outbreak of Zika-infected mosquitos in their community. Students will begin by investigating mosquito-borne disease transmission. Next, they will consider how scientists are effectively using mosquitos as model organisms to study disease progression and to test treatments. Students will then develop an understanding of how scientists are using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) mapping to study mosquito locations. Once students have sufficient background knowledge, they will move on to explore how scientists modify mosquitos using various methods to combat the spread of disease. Students will then compare remediation efforts to the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs). They will use this information to ultimately develop a stance on GMOs and come to their own conclusion on the best way to combat their community’s mosquito outbreak. This lesson includes a ready-made PowerPoint presentation to use in the classroom and to help facilitate the lesson plan.

21st CENTURY SKILLS
Collaboration
Communication
Critical Thinking

DESIGN PRINCIPLES
Defining the Problem
Designing Solutions
Communicating Results