Recommended Grade Level: 2nd Grade

Description: In this life cycle lesson, students will investigate the complete metamorphosis of mosquitoes and compare it to the lifecycles of other familiar organisms like butterflies, dragonflies, and frogs. Students will explore the four life stages of the mosquito and identify the specific habitat mosquito’s need to survive and grow. Students will also be introduced to the initiatives of the Florida Keys Mosquito Control District and learn how studying mosquito life cycles helps scientists find solutions to real-world challenges like managing mosquito populations. This lesson is followed by a life cycle lab that allows students to see examples of each mosquito life stage and make scientific observations.

Sunshine State Education Standards:

• SC.2.L.16.1 Observe and describe major changes in the life cycles of plants and animals, including beans and butterflies.
• SC.4. L.16.4 Compare and contrast the major stages in the life cycles of Florida plants and animals, such as those that undergo incomplete and complete metamorphosis, and flowering and nonflowering seed-bearing plants.
• SC.2.L.17.2 Recognize and explain that living things are found all over Earth, but each is only able to live in habitats that meet its basic needs.
• SC.2.N.1.6 Explain how scientists alone or in groups are always investigating new ways to solve problems.
• HE.2.PHC.1.1 Discuss how healthy behaviors affect personal health.
• HE.2.PHC.2.2 Describe ways a safe, healthy home environment can promote personal health.