Malaria Challenge

Malaria Challenge
Type:
Classroom activity
Age level:
14 years +
Topic area:
Malaria, Plasmodium parasites, vector borne disease, vaccination, drug development
Description:

This multimedia resource explores the five major stages of the malaria lifecycle, highlighting the role of the Plasmodium parasite at each stage. The resource predominantly focuses on Plasmodium falciparum but does also make reference to other Plasmodium species including Plasmodium vivax.


The resource contains animations, videos and interviews with world leading malaria researchers to supplement teachers’ lessons on malaria. It also allows students to explore the malaria lifecycle and understand more about the biology of the Plasmodium parasite and how this is involved in malaria.


The resource can be used as a research tool by students to provide information on the symptoms of the disease as well as different malaria control methods and how these target specific stages of the malaria lifecycle. Malaria Challenge is suitable for GCSE and A-level students and is supported by three different discussion-based activities (see related items).

Key Words
Pathogens, malaria, eradication, elimination, control strategies, Plasmodium falciparum, Plasmodium vivax, vector borne disease, Anopheles mosquito.

Running the resource:

You can run the resource in two different ways:
  1. Browser: Launch the animation by clicking the icon below, or use the following URL: www.yourgenome.org/malariachallenge.
  2. Standalone: This animation may be downloaded and run without internet access - see Support Links.
Technical Information:
  • Adobe Flash player plugin is required to run this animation from the browser.
  • If running from the URL you will require a computer with internet access.
    • Click to launch animation[Flash v8, 6,000kB]

    Credits

    Content: Francesca Gale, Steve Scott and Julian Rayner
    Graphics: Preeti Deshpande

    Support Links:

    Related items:

    Malaria: an introduction
    This video provides an introduction to the topic of malaria. It describes what malaria is, why it is a complex disease, where malaria is a problem and who is affected. It also describes the symptoms of the disease, how to treat it and how to prevent transmission.

    Malaria: An introduction

    Curriculum links:

    This activity supports the following modules on the UK curriculum. Click on the arrows below for further detail of the module.

    Web links:

    Additional sources of information on the web for teachers and students to increase their knowledge base of malaria and other infectious diseases.