In Lesson 1: Students learn the characteristics of insects that distinguish them from other arthropods. They also demonstrate knowledge of the two types of insect lifecycles (grasshopper and mosquito). There may be an opportunity to handle live insects during this lesson.
In Lesson 2: Students begin a several-day lab project in which they observe the lifecycle of the Aedes egypti mosquito – an insect that is considered a “pest” in many counties. In addition to recording data in a lab notebook, there are optional research experiments that may be performed during this project.
In Lesson 3: Students analyze their data from the mosquito-rearing project and learn why this insect is considered a “pest.” Based on their knowledge their life cycles, they determine the best way to control populations of mosquitoes and the grasshoppers.
