Philadelphia Writing Project
Supporting Civically Engaged Argument Writing with Primary Sources
Text Set
Eradicating Mosquitoes
Mosquitoes can ruin an outdoor activity and leave an itchy red bump to remind you of its unwelcome visit. In some cases, the mosquito might carry a life-threatening disease. Students engage in debates about science, ethics, and policy as they consider whether we should try to eradicate mosquitos from our ecosystem permanently to prevent diseases.
FEATURED PRIMARY SOURCES
TEXT SET
Introduce the Issue
Teachers may introduce one or both of the featured historical primary sources above alongside more current news articles to introduce the issue and jumpstart inquiry.
Science magazine news article describing the introduction of genetically modified mosquitoes in the U.S. The article describes some of the pushback from community members. “First genetically modified mosquitoes released in the United States.” (Nature, 2021).
Mosquito-carried diseases. Infographic listing diseases spread by mosquitoes. (National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases).
Infographic describing how genetically modified mosquitoes are used to reduce mosquito populations. “Figure 5. How genetically modified mosquito (GM) releases reduce mosquito numbers and mosquito-transmitted disease incidence.” (University of Florida, 2021).
If mosquitoes were eradicated, what would be the consequences? Reader-submitted opinions in a science magazine on possible consequences of killing off all mosquitoes and whether it’s possible. (New Scientist, 2021).
Go Deeper
Students may use these texts—or excerpts from these texts—to identify additional perspectives on the issue.
Mosquito-borne diseases. Informational web article for young people about diseases spread through contact with mosquitoes. (Kids Health, 2019).
Fighting mosquitoes with mosquitoes: Biological weapons target Zika virus. News article about scientific efforts to decrease mosquito populations. (Los Angeles Times, 2016).
Climate change will expose more people to risk of mosquito-borne disease. University news article about how climate change will allow mosquito populations (and the diseases they carry) to move further north in the United States. (University of Florida, 2019).
Genetically modified mosquitoes. Science research brief (with infographics) about genetically modified mosquitoes. Posted to a university website for a public audience. (University of Florida, 2021).
Before genetically modified mosquitoes are released, we need a better EPA. Opinion-editorial about the need for increased U.S. government oversight of genetically modified mosquitoes. (Boston Globe, 2020).
Kill ‘em all. Podcast episode about the potential impacts of eradicating mosquitoes. (RadioLab, 2014).
Additional Planning Resources
Primary Sources
Yellow fever’s traits. Newspaper article. 1898. (Chronicling America, Library of Congress).
Page 37: The mosquito hypothetically considered as the agent of transmission of yellow fever. Book. 1916. (HathiTrust).
Yellow fever [in Philadelphia]. Pamphlet. 1794. (Wellcome Library).
List, Philadelphia Deaths in September 1798, Yellow Fever. Government record. 1798. (Villanova University).
Fed alive to mosquitoes. Photograph. 1937. (Library of Congress).
Classroom Informational Texts
Everyday mysteries: Why do mosquitoes bite me and not my friend? (Library of Congress).
The Great Fever: Carlos Finlay (1833-1915). (American Experience, PBS).
10 Notable Jefferson Alumni of the Past: Carlos Juan Finlay. (Thomas Jefferson University).
Video: Fever (1793-1820). (The Great Experiment: Philadelphia).
This website features resources created by educators affiliated with the Philadelphia Writing Project (PhilWP), supported by a Teaching with Primary Sources grant from the Library of Congress.
The following Philadelphia Writing Project teacher consultants contributed to this page: J. Ross and J. F. Smith.
Some of the resources and approaches referenced on this page were developed by the National Writing Project's (NWP) College, Career, and Community Writers Program.
Teacher Consultants in the NWP Write Now Teacher Studio and members of the Teaching with Primary Sources Teachers Network have provided feedback on and suggestions for this page.
This page was updated 29 September 2024.