Here is a step-by-step guide to using this lesson plan in the classroom/laboratory. We have suggested these steps as a possible plan of action. You may customize the lesson plan according to your preferences and requirements.

1. Introduce the topic with the help of a reading

Reading (20 – 30 mins)

• With the help of the reading, “Vector-borne diseases”, introduce the topic of vector-borne diseases and the factors that influence their distribution and spread.
• Proceed to explain malaria (or another vector-borne disease) and its transmission.
• Discuss the environmental conditions that are conducive for the spread of malaria (or another vector-borne disease).

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2.Play a video

Video (~8 min)

Then, play this video titled “Human Health, Vector-Borne Diseases, and Climate Change”, which can be used as a micro-lecture. In this video, Mary Hayden and Andy Monaghan from the National Center for Atmospheric Research discuss the role of weather and climate as one of the factors that could impact the spread of diseases, thus potentially affecting human health outcomes.

3. Conduct a classroom/laboratory activity

Classroom/Laboratory Activity (60 – 90 min)

Now, explore this topic in an engaging manner by conducting the activity, “Beyond the Bite: Mosquitoes & Malaria”, developed by Institute for Global Environmental Strategies.

• Download the activity “Beyond the Bite: Mosquitoes & Malaria” from Click Here
• Print the maps and other data sheets for your students.
• Conduct the activity in the classroom or laboratory by following the procedure described in the downloaded file.

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4. Facilitate a game-based activity

Game (computer-based) (~60 min)

Students can play the computer-based game “Climate Health Impact”, from Big Picture/Playgen, for an interactive experience. This game will enable students to understand the possible effects of climate change on human health in different regions of the world, to identify diseases from their symptoms, and to explore measures (specifically, policies) for adaptation and mitigation:

• Download the resources for teachers (including an introduction and a homework sheet) from Click Here
• Go to
• Conduct the game-based activity by using the guidelines in the “Teacher Notes”.

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Note: This game requires a Flash player; therefore, it may not play in some browsers. The game works in Firefox.

5. Questions/Assignments

Suggested questions/assignments for learning evaluation

Use the tools and the concepts learned so far to discuss and determine answers to the following questions:

• What are the major vector-borne diseases and their symptoms? What is the current geographical distribution of these diseases globally?
• Explain whether climate-related factors influence the distribution and spread of vector-borne diseases.
• How could an increase in the average global temperature affect the geographical distribution of malaria?
• Recommend specific actions/policies that can help in mitigating the spread of vector-borne diseases caused by a rise in average global temperature, increase in sea-levels, and growth in population.

Use this lesson plan to help your students find answers to:

1. What are the major vector-borne diseases and their symptoms? What is the current geographical distribution of these diseases globally?
2. Explain whether climate-related factors could influence the distribution and spread of vector-borne diseases.
3. How could an increase in the average global temperature affect the geographical distribution of malaria?
4. Recommend specific actions/policies that can help in mitigating the spread of vector-borne diseases caused by a rise in average global temperature, increase in sea-levels, and growth in population.