Entomology, Department of
Date of this Version
2017
Citation
The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 79, No 5, pages. 365–374, ISSN 0002-7685, electronic ISSN 1938-4211.
Abstract
Students will test Madagascar hissing cockroach’s capacity as a vector for transmission of microorganisms. By comparing a cockroach exposed to human contact (handled by students) and a cockroach with limited exposure (not handled), students can assess the ability of cockroaches to transmit microorganisms from one location (hands) to another (agar plate where the microorganism will be grown). This will allow students to determine if the Madagascar hissing cockroach, the classroom pet, is a potential vector for microorganisms. Students then will be able to question and relate the concept of insects and objects as vectors for common pathogen transfer.
Comments
Copyright © 2017 National Association of Biology Teachers. Used by permission.