Mosquito Science Projects
Mosquitoes are among the most annoying pests in the insect world. Adult female mosquitoes bite humans and suck their blood when the mosquito is trying to reproduce. Mosquito science projects are beneficial in learning ways to deter the mosquito population, whether it be through repelling them or providing an environment that is not beneficial to their growth.
Mosquito Stimuli
The mosquito stimuli project uses different stimuli to determine what attracts mosquitoes. Choose one stimuli for each of the following categories: smell, texture and color. Place one of the stimuli in a glass jar and put the jar in an area that is heavily populated with mosquitoes. Set a stopwatch for 10 minutes. Count and record the number of mosquitoes attracted to the stimuli. Repeat the process for the other two stimuli. Compare the results to determine if mosquitoes are more attracted to smell, texture or color.
Mosquito Growth
The mosquito growth project is conducted to determine if mosquito growth rates change based on the amount of nutrients the insects receive. Fill three glass jars with 3 inches of water. In one jar, pour a half-cup of brewer's yeast. In the second jar, pour 1 cup of brewer's yeast into the water. Label each jar with the amount of yeast in it. Put 10 mosquito larvae into each jar and seal the jars with a lid. Using a screwdriver, punch small holes in the lids to allow in oxygen. Observe the containers for 30 days. Each day, record any changes seen among the mosquitoes and whether or not any of the containers' mosquitoes are growing faster than the others. After 30 days, form a conclusion as to whether or not the amount of food in the mosquitoes' water made a difference in their growth rate.
Mosquito Repellent
The mosquito repellent project uses several mosquito repellents to conclude which is most effective. Choose three different mosquito repellents. Spray half an apple with mosquito repellent for five seconds. Spray the other two repellents onto two separate apple halves. Place each apple on a plate. Attach a label to each plate and write the name of the mosquito repellent that is on the apple. Place the plates and apples in an area populated with mosquitoes. Leave the apples there for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, observe the number of mosquitoes on the apples. The apple with the least number of mosquitoes is the most effective repellent.
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