Mapping Mosquito Habitats with Girl Scouts: A Citizen Science Approach Using the “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” Worksheet

Authors

Claire A. Klein, University of Nebraska - LincolnFollow

First Advisor

Dr. Louise Lynch-O’Brien

Date of this Version

Spring 4-14-2025

Document Type

Thesis

Citation

Klein, C. 2025. Mapping Mosquito Habitats with Girl Scouts: A Citizen Science Approach Using the "Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!" Worksheet. Undergraduate Honors Thesis. University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Comments

Copyright Claire Klein 2025.

Abstract

Mosquitoes, though small, impact millions around the world by being significant vectors of diseases. The search for effective mosquito control efforts is ongoing, however, there is a gap in community involvement with a focus on recognizing and reducing potential breeding areas. Public engagement is a cornerstone of effective mosquito control. This honors thesis investigates the implementation of the Mosquito Mappers program with an original Girl Scout worksheet, “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” This worksheet, which utilizes NASA’s GLOBE Observer Mosquito Habitat Mapper app, enables the Girl Scouts to contribute to real-time environmental monitoring. By guiding Girl Scouts through an inquiry-based science worksheet, this project explores how citizen science can both educate the youth and aid scientific data collection. This study assesses how the “Mosquito Mission: Scout & Report!” worksheet encourages environmental observation, supports mosquito habitat identification, and fosters action toward mosquito control.