Recommended Grade Levels: 9th-12th Grade

Description: This lesson explores the history of mosquito transmitted diseases in Florida, how mosquito control originated and has changed over time, and why it is especially important in the Florida Keys to have mosquito control initiatives. Students will learn about mosquito transmitted diseases found in South Florida and how mosquitoes transmit these illnesses to other animals. They will also be introduced to the research used to monitor disease in the county and the steps taken when a case is detected in the Florida Keys. This lesson includes an investigational case study where students use clues such as the location, the mosquito species present, and disease symptoms to identify which mosquito is the disease vector.