Title: Creating a Natural Mosquito Repellent

Grade Level: Middle School (6th-8th grade)

Objective: - Students will understand the importance of mosquito repellents in preventing mosquito-borne diseases. - Students will learn about natural ingredients that can be used to create a mosquito repellent. - Students will create their own mosquito repellent using natural ingredients. - Students will evaluate the effectiveness of their mosquito repellent.

Materials: - Essential oils (e.g., citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, lemongrass) - Carrier oil (e.g., coconut oil, olive oil) - Spray bottles - Measuring spoons - Funnel - Labels - Safety goggles - Gloves - Notebook and pen

Procedure:

1. Introduction (10 minutes):
   • Begin the lesson by discussing the importance of mosquito repellents in preventing mosquito-borne diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus.
   • Ask students if they have ever used mosquito repellents and what types they are familiar with.
   • Explain that today, they will learn how to create their own mosquito repellent using natural ingredients.
2. Safety Precautions (5 minutes):
   • Emphasize the importance of safety when working with essential oils.
   • Instruct students to wear safety goggles and gloves throughout the activity.
   • Remind them to avoid direct contact with the essential oils and to wash their hands thoroughly after the activity.
3. Introduction to Natural Ingredients (10 minutes):
   • Introduce students to various essential oils known for their mosquito-repellent properties, such as citronella, lavender, eucalyptus, and lemongrass.
   • Discuss the benefits of using natural ingredients compared to chemical-based repellents.
   • Explain that essential oils need to be diluted with a carrier oil to create a safe and effective repellent.
4. Recipe Demonstration (15 minutes):
   • Demonstrate the process of creating a mosquito repellent using the following recipe:
     • In a spray bottle, combine 10-15 drops of essential oil (students can choose their preferred scent) with 2 tablespoons of carrier oil.
     • Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
     • Label the bottle with the student’s name and the date.
5. Hands-on Activity (20 minutes):
   • Divide students into small groups.
   • Provide each group with the necessary materials: spray bottles, essential oils, carrier oils, measuring spoons, funnels, and labels.
   • Instruct students to follow the recipe demonstrated and create their own mosquito repellent.
   • Encourage students to experiment with different essential oil combinations to find their preferred scent.
6. Evaluation (10 minutes):
   • Instruct students to test their mosquito repellent by spraying it on their arms or legs.
   • Ask students to observe and record their experiences in their notebooks, noting the effectiveness and scent of their repellent.
   • Discuss the results as a class, allowing students to share their observations and preferences.
7. Conclusion (5 minutes):
   • Recap the importance of using mosquito repellents to protect against mosquito-borne diseases.
   • Discuss the benefits of creating natural mosquito repellents using essential oils.
   • Encourage students to continue using their homemade repellents and share their knowledge with family and friends.

Extension Activity: - Students can conduct further research on other natural ingredients that repel mosquitoes and create a new recipe using those ingredients. - Students can design labels for their mosquito repellent bottles, including safety instructions and the ingredients used. - Students can present their homemade mosquito repellents to the class, explaining their recipe choices and the effectiveness of their product.