Classroom Activities
A first lesson will be microscope activities to examine microscopic organisms in local soil and water samples to begin their understanding of “invisible” life and introduce the concept of cells. They will learn how to prepare slides and use the appropriate tools to the microscope to make observations and record data. They will also use prepared slides of various tissues to make further observations and gain content knowledge.
We will have classroom hatching and development of mosquito larva for direct observation of life cycle and anatomy. They will be able to identify the basic anatomy and gender of the mosquitos raised. The mosquitos will be kept in small jars so that they will not be able to escape, and small enough to be able to put into a refrigerator to temporarily to immobilize them for observation. Local health departments as well as biological supply companies can be sources for mosquito larva, as well as water left outside the classroom for several days.
For the final project students will select a specific country or location and investigate the current threat from malaria. Using the content knowledge acquired in this unit they will use demographic information to develop an assessment of the risks presented to their location and explain potential impacts of climate change. They will suggest strategies to mitigate the risks. Finally we will have a Socratic Seminar discussing whether the developed world has a reason or responsibility to assist developing nations in combating malaria.
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