Filthy Flies? Experiments to Test Flies as Vectors of Bacterial Disease

Autor/inn/en	Shaffer, Julie J.; Warner, Kasey Jo; Hoback, W. Wyatt
Titel	Filthy Flies? Experiments to Test Flies as Vectors of Bacterial Disease
Quelle	In: American Biology Teacher, 69 (2007) 2, S.28-31 (4 Seiten)Infoseite zur Zeitschrift PDF als Volltext Verfügbarkeit
Sprache	englisch
Dokumenttyp	gedruckt; online; Zeitschriftenaufsatz
ISSN	0002-7685
Schlagwörter	Teaching Methods; Microbiology; Entomology; Cooperative Learning; Communicable Diseases; Laboratory Experiments; Epidemiology + Suchen Sie Ihr Suchwort? Teaching method; Lehrmethode; Unterrichtsmethode; Mikrobiologie; Entomologie; Kooperatives Lernen; Contagious disease; Contagious diseases; Communicable disease; Infektionskrankheit; Laboratory work; Laborarbeit; Epidemiologie
Abstract	For more than 75 years, flies and other insects have been known to serve as mechanical vectors of infectious disease (Hegner, 1926). Flies have been shown to harbor over 100 different species of potentially pathogenic microorganisms and are known to transmit more than 65 infectious diseases (Greenberg, 1965). This laboratory exercise is a simple way to teach students about the potential danger that flies pose as vectors of infectious disease. The goal of this exercise is to investigate the role of flies as vectors of bacterial disease and fly behaviors that may reduce their vectoring ability. Students generated hypotheses to investigate the ability of two species of flies to vector diseases. In the first experiment, two species of flies were exposed to a bacterial culture to compare their abilities to serve as vectors of bacterial diseases. This initial experiment provided students with some interesting information but generated many more questions. Students then generated two more questions they wanted to address. In the second experiment, students compared the length of time that flies were exposed to bacteria to discern if the length of time is important in the ability of flies to accumulate bacteria. In the third experiment students investigated the role of fly cleaning behavior on the amount of bacteria vectored. This exercise was straightforward and easy for students and was a great opportunity for student-directed inquiry and cooperative learning groups. Instructors can find many exciting ways to adapt this exercise to fit into their curriculum. (Contains 3 figures.) (ERIC).
Anmerkungen	National Association of Biology Teachers. 12030 Sunrise Valley Drive #110, Reston, VA 20191. Tel: 800-406-0775; Tel: 703-264-9696; Fax: 703-264-7778; e-mail: publication@nabt.org; Web site: http://www.nabt.org
Erfasst von	ERIC (Education Resources Information Center), Washington, DC
Update	2017/4/10