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Could We Rid The World of Mosquitoes?

Secondary

Description

Using the current concern over the spread of the Zika virus as a starting point, this informative video provides a balanced discussion of the promise and pitfalls of biotechnology in controlling insect-borne diseases. In addition to Zika, the program reveals mosquitoes to be the vector of a number of other important diseases effecting millions of people around the world and it also explains how genetic manipulation is  offering health officials an effective control. Students are made aware of the success of CRISPR and other powerful gene-splicing techniques in eradicating mosquitoes while being asked to consider the bioethical concerns of intentionally removing an entire population from an ecosystem.

General Assessment

Recommendation of how and where to use it

This program provides a current and relevant context for students to reflect on concepts related to population genetics, genetic engineering, disease transmission and ecosystem dynamics.

Relevant Curriculum Units

The following tool will allow you to explore the relevant curriculum matches for this resource. To start, select a province listed below.

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  • Alberta
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    • Grade 11
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      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 20-4 (Knowledge and Employability Science): Disease Defence and Human Health
        • Science 24:Disease Defence and Human Health
    • Grade 12
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 30: Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology
      • Science
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        • Science 30: Living Systems Respond to Their Environment
  • British Columbia
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    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Genes are the foundation for the diversity of living things
    • Grade 11
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      • Environmental Science
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        • Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Science 11: Evolution. Evolution occurs at the population level
    • Grade 12
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Anatomy and Physiology 12: Gene expression, through protein synthesis, is an interaction between genes and the environment
        • Anatomy and Physiology 12: Homeostasis is maintained through physiological processes
        • Specialized Science 12: All members of a species have common characteristics that evolve over time
        • Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
        • Specialized Science 12: Our evolving understanding of genetics has implications for health, society, and environment
  • Manitoba
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Senior 2 Science: Dynamics of Ecosystems
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      • Biology
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        • Biology: Evolutionary Theory and Biodiversity
  • New Brunswick
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    • Grade 12
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      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 121/2: Genetic Change Over Time
      • Environmental Science
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        • Advanced Environmental Science 120: Earth Systems
        • Introduction to Environmental Science 120: An Overview of Environmental Science
  • Newfoundland & Labrador
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 1206: Sustainability of Ecosystems
    • Grade 11
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      • Science
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        • Science 2200: Ecosytems
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 3201: Evolution, Change and Biodiversity
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        • Environmental Science 3205: Introduction to Environmental Science
  • Northwest Territories
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
      • Science
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        • Science 20-4:Disease Defense and Human Health
        • Science 24: Disease Defense and Human Health
    • Grade 12
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 30: Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology
      • Science
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        • Science 30: Living Systems Respond to their Environment
  • Nova Scotia
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      • Science
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        • Science 10: Sustainability of Ecosystems
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 12: Evolution, Change and Diversity
  • Nunavut
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    • Grade 11
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      • Biology
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        • Biology 20: Ecosystems and Population Change
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Science 24:Disease Defence and Human Health
    • Grade 12
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      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Cell Division, Genetics and Molecular Biology
        • Biology 30
      • Science
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        • Science 30: Living Systems Respond to their Environment
  • Ontario
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    • Grade 9
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      • Science
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        • :Biology: Sustainable Ecosystems
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        • Biology 11(College Prep.) Microbiology
        • Biology 11(Univer.Prep.) Genetic Processes
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        • Biology 12 (Univ. Prep.): Molecular Genetics
  • Prince Edward Island
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        • Biology 621A: Genetic Continuity
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        • Environmental Science 621A: Ecological Principles
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    • Grade 10
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      • Science & Technology
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        • Applied Science & Technology:The Living World
        • Environmental Science & Technology: The Living World
        • Science & Technology:The Living World
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  • Saskatchewan
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    • Grade 10
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      • Science
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        • Science 10: Climate and Ecosystem Dynamics
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      • Biology
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Biology 30: Genetics and Biotechnology
  • Yukon Territory
    • Step 2Select a grade level
    • Grade 10
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      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Genes are the foundation for the diversity of living things
    • Grade 11
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Environmental Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Environmental Science 11: Changing ecosystems are maintained by natural processes.
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Life Science 11: Evolution. Evolution occurs at the population level
    • Grade 12
      • Step 3Select a subject
      • Science
        • Step 4Relevant matches
        • Anatomy and Physiology 12: Gene expression, through protein synthesis, is an interaction between genes and the environment
        • Anatomy and Physiology 12: Homeostasis is maintained through physiological processes
        • Specialized Science 12: All members of a species have common characteristics that evolve over time
        • Specialized Science 12: Biodiversity is dependent on the complex interactions and processes between biotic and abiotic factors
        • Specialized Science 12: Our evolving understanding of genetics has implications for health, society, and environment

Themes Addressed

Ecosystems (1)

  • Interdependence

Human Health & Environment (1)

  • Health Promotion

Science and Technology (2)

  • Analysing Conventional Science
  • Appropriate Technology