Research Scenario

Skeeterville has just built a new playground for the community. Unfortunately, no one is playing on this playground because they are getting bitten by mosquitoes. The Mayor of Skeeterville has asked citizens to help improve the playground environment. To help the mayor, you will need to do some research to answer the essential questions:

Let's build some background knowledge about mosquitoes to complete this KWL chart.

First, view this multimedia presentation about mosquitoes. Then, use the World Book Kids or World Book Student database to gather and record some more information.

• Search on the keywords mosquito or insect.

Task and Product

To help the mayor improve the playground environment, you will do research to create a Skeeters Field Guide. Your field guide should include:

• Characteristics of mosquitoes
• Mosquito life cycle and anatomy
• Helpful or harmful aspects
• Ways to control mosquitoes

Use a notebook or folder to organize materials in your Skeeters Field Guide as you do your research. Use this cover sheet for the front of your guide.

Assessments

Click on the checklist to see what should be included in your Skeeters Field Guide.

Essential Question:

Use these questions to jump start your thinking. What do you already know about mosquitoes? You will need to answer these questions as you do your research, and you might think of other questions to ask.

• What are the characteristics of mosquitoes?
• How are mosquitoes helpful?
• How are mosquitoes harmful?
• How can we control mosquitoes?

Gather and Sort

Use the resources below to gather and sort information about mosquitos. Be sure to avoid plagiarism and remember to cite your sources.

1. Think back to the essential question:
How do mosquitoes interact with other organisms?
View the TumbleBook:

The Summer the Town Bit Back

In the story, how are the mosquitoes interacting with the humans (organisms)? 

2. Read the Helpful or Harmful article to help you answer the question: What are some helpful and/or harmful aspects of mosquitoes?
Based on your new learning, complete the Synonym Activity Sheet using the Visual Thesaurus to locate the the difficult words.

3. Can you distinguish between insects and other similiar creatures? Complete the Insect or Not activity to test your skills.

What are the differences between a mosquito and other small creatures, such as an arachnid?  Read over the Insect and Arachnid informational sheet.

4. View a clip from Bill Nye Science Guy: Insect on for even more information on insects and the parts of an insect. What are the characteristics of a mosquito? Label the parts of a mosquito and keep this diagram in your Skeeters Field Guide.

5. How does a mosquito grow? To read about the mosquito's life cycle, use the life cycle activity. Visit the Student Resource page for some excellent Web sites to help you complete your life cycle activity.

6. Think back to the essential question: What effects do mosquitoes have on the environment?
Use the “Ways to Make Our School Playground an ‘Unfriendly Area’ for Mosquitoes” graphic organizer to take notes on some of the things you can do to make the schoolyard or playground unfriendly for mosquitoes.  Use this slide show about controlling mosquitoes to help you understand the different strategies for controlling mosquitoes on the playground.

7. To prepare for writing your letter to the mayor. View the video about local and state government and the mayor's role in helping citizens.