I wonder what other dangerous diseases insects spread...

Lesson Overview:

Students will investigate a disease that is spread by insects from a list that the teacher provides. Students will create a brochure using information they find while researching the disease, the insect, and the cures or vaccines. Students will present their brochures with their classmates, and are encouraged to take them home and share with friends and family.

Objectives:

1. recognize and understand the concept of a global society
2. begin to make connections between themselves and this greater society
3. learn about insect related illnesses around the world
4. look at a specific insect carried disease
5. create a brochure displaying what they have learned
6. share information and stories related to the topics with their peers.

Subject Area Focus:  science, social studies, language arts, & art

Materials:

• computer lab time to research disease specfic information
• journals
• construction paper
• markers
• crayons
• glue, tape, etc.

Procedure:

1. Teacher should pre-select insect carried diseases that the class can chose to use for their project. Students are always encouraged to use any disease that interests them, but let them know that you will provide information for the 7-10 diseases you have listed.
   * chagas disease/biting flies, lyme disease/ticks, leishmaniasis/sandflies, bed bugs, bubonic plague/flea, west nile/mosquitos
   *Teacher Note - Smithsonian website is a good place to start:
2. Today work with a partner to create a travel brochure about a specific disease that you chose. You should also choose a country where the disease/insect are present. Both information about the disease and the specific country should be used to create the brochure.
3. The brochure must include information about any dangers from insects and preventative steps that can be taken to avoid contracting diseases.
4. Use the encyclopedia, library, or the computer to help you gather more information for your brochure about the disease and the country.
5. Your brochure can include information about places to see, facts from history, what you might want to pack, and any thing else you find out of interest about the country you are looking at.
   
   Helpful websites:
   
   Smithsonian:
   http://www.si.edu/RESOURCE/FAQ/nmnh/buginfo/diseases.htm