Not all species of mosquitoes bite humans.
Mosquitoes are common, winged insects that are found around the world. Many people consider them to be pests because of their itchy, irritating bites. There are more than 3,000 different species of mosquitoes found worldwide, according to the American Mosquito Control Association. Children can learn more about mosquitoes through crafts, science projects and other engaging projects.
Craft Projects
Use crafts to enhance a lesson on mosquitoes. Make a small fold at the end of a pipe cleaner and thread on six plastic beads. Fold two wings out of the remaining length of pipe cleaner. Glue a pom-pom to the end, where the wings are, add two googly eyes and a small pom-pom for a nose. Cut a biter, or proboscis, out of felt and glue it to the mosquito's head.
Create a mosquito out of a toilet paper roll and other craft items. Paint the roll black. Cut wings out of tissue paper or cellophane and glue them to the bug's back. Glue googly eyes onto the bug's face. Cut a paper biter and attach it to the bug's head. Poke holes into the mosquitoes body and thread pipe cleaner legs through the holes.
Science Projects
Engage children in mosquito-themed science projects to enhance school lessons. Create a model showing the three main parts of the mosquito's body: head, thorax and abdomen. Use different colored modeling clay for each part of the insect's anatomy. Label the parts of the bug and write a brief description of the function of each part to go along with the model.
Another mosquito-themed science project is to create a time line detailing the life cycle of the mosquito. Use drawings to show the various stages of development, from larve to full grown mosquito.
Writing Projects
Get children involved in writing a short story or essay about a mosquito. Ask children to write a story from the point of view of a mosquito and to detail how the world would look through a mosquito's eyes. The stories can be fictional and funny or more factual in nature.
Another writing project for mosquitoes is to engage students in writing a non-fiction report about mosquitoes. Have children research about the life cycle and reproduction process of the mosquito. Or ask children to write about the differences and similarities between two species of mosquitoes.
Other Projects for Kids About Mosquitoes
There are many projects that you can use to teach children about mosquitoes, such as having children write a play or skit about mosquitoes. Have the children make a mosquito mask out of a paper plate and perform the skit.
Help students create mosquitoes out of plastic foam balls. Paint the balls black, use white paper to make wings and use pipe cleaners to create legs. Draw and cut paper to create other facial details.
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