University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Faculty Publications: Department of Entomology Entomology, Department of 2017 Modeling Microorganism Transmission with Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: An Inquiry Activity Hillary Guzik Albert Einstein College of Medicine, [email protected] Kessler McCoy-Simandle Albert Einstein College of Medicine, [email protected] Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologyfacpub Part of the Entomology Commons Guzik, Hillary and McCoy-Simandle, Kessler, "Modeling Microorganism Transmission with Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: An Inquiry Activity" (2017). Faculty Publications: Department of Entomology. 587. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/entomologyfacpub/587 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Entomology, Department of at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Faculty Publications: Department of Entomology by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. INQUIRY & Modeling Microorganism INVESTIGATION Transmission with Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches: An Inquiry Activity • HILLARY GUZIK, KESSLER MCCOY- SIMANDLE ABSTRACT vectors that transmit pathogens (Cloarec et al., 1992; Menasria et al., Students will test Madagascar hissing cockroach’s capacity as a vector for 2014; Tortora et al., 2010). transmission of microorganisms. By comparing a cockroach exposed to Madagascar hissing cockroaches, Gromphadorhina portentosa, are human contact (handled by students) and a cockroach with limited exposure (not native to the island of Madagascar, located in the Indian Ocean just handled), students can assess the ability of cockroaches to transmit microorganisms east of mainland Africa (Mulder, 2014). Because most insects are from one location (hands) to another (agar plate where the microorganism will be composed of three times more protein than other animals, they are grown). This will allow students to determine if the Madagascar hissing cockroach, considered an important food source for many organisms (Rosa- the classroom pet, is a potential vector for microorganisms. Students then will be mond Gifford Zoo, 2006; Mulder, 2014). As a great decomposer, able to question and relate the concept of insects and objects as vectors for common pathogen transfer. scavenging on the forest floor, cockroaches are an important part of the ecosystem. Notably, when frightened, the Madagascar hissing cockroach makes a hissing sound by expelling air from spiracles Key Words: modeling; microorganism transmission; Madagascar hissing cockroach; ’ inquiry activity. (the cockroach s respiratory openings) found on the abdomen (Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 2006). This unique ability is what gave the cockroach its name. Both male and females are able to make this sound, but they look different, which means this is a dimorphic spe- Introduction cies. Males have a horn-like structure with prominent protrusions called pronatal humps on the thorax, whereas females do not Microorganisms are organisms too small to be visible by the naked (Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 2006; Heyborne et al., 2012). eye, but visible through the use of a microscope. The world of micro- Madagascar hissing cockroaches live for two to three years and organisms includes bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa, and algae are popular pets for the classroom due to their docile nature, large (Cloarec et al., 1992; Tortora et al., 2010). Microorganisms are size, and ease of handling (Rosamond Gifford Zoo, 2006; Heyborne extremely abundant and can be found on et al., 2012). They do not fly or bite (2012). To almost every surface on earth. Some microor- Microorganisms are handle a Madagascar hissing cockroach, one ganisms cause disease when they come in can scoop it from the bottom, let it crawl on to contact with humans; they are called patho- organisms too small one’s hand or gently pick it up by the thorax. gens. Humans can come into contact with For transferring from hand to hand, one can just microorganisms in multiple ways. Sometimes to be visible by the let the cockroach crawl from one hand to humans breathe in the microorganisms, if the naked eye, but another. Madagascar hissing cockroaches are microorganism is in the air. Sometimes adapted for climbing and can scale smooth glass, humans touch something that has a microor- visible through the therefore an enclosed terrarium or tank is needed. ganism on it. Any nonliving object that can To keep a healthy Madagascar hissing cockroach, transmit disease to humans is called a fomite use of a microscope. one needs to provide it with water (e.g., by sup- (Tortora et al., 2010). A good example of plying a cotton ball in a bottle cap filled with a fomite is a tissue or a pillowcase. A vector is any living organism (per- water) and food (fruit, vegetables, or pet food) (Rosamond Gifford son, animal, or insect) that carries and transmits a pathogen to another Zoo, 2006; Yoder et al., 2008). Also, the cockroach should be pro- living organism. Insects, including cockroaches, are widely known as vided with a hiding place such as a cardboard egg carton or toilet The American Biology Teacher, Vol. 79, No 5, pages. 365–374, ISSN 0002-7685, electronic ISSN 1938-4211. © 2017 National Association of Biology Teachers. All rights reserved. Please direct all requests for permission to photocopy or reproduce article content through the University of California Press’s Reprints and Permissions web page, www.ucpress.edu/journals.php?p=reprints. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1525/abt.2017.79.5.365. THE AMERICAN BIOLOGY TEACHER MICROORGANISM TRANSMISSION 365 paper tube. They prefer warmer climates and should always be kept Materials over 18°C (Yoder et al., 2008). • Madagascar hissing cockroaches (minimum of 2, or 2 per group) Overall, Madagascar hissing cockroaches are a suitable and desirable host for a multitude of pathogens (Yoder et al., 2008). • 2 terrariums or escape-proof containers Cockroaches are thought to be able to carry a variety of pathogens • 2 cotton swabs (per group) on the surface of their bodies (Menasria et al., 2014; Yoder et al., • 4 sterile nutrient agar plates (per group) 2008). The cockroach can then passively transfer pathogens to • Sterile gloves humans. Cockroaches can spread 33 different kinds of bacteria, including E. coli and Salmonella, six types of parasitic worms, and • Spray bottle with soapy water more than seven other types of human pathogens (Cloarec et al. • Bleach and water mix 1992; Parada, 2012; Tortora et al., 2010). This ease of hosting bacte- ria, viruses, funguses, and worms makes cockroach presence unde- Guided Inquiry Activity sirable and potentially dangerous in food establishments, homes, Preparation (20–100 minutes) and hospitals (Menasria et al., 2014). Understanding how pathogens • Sanitize one terrarium by washing with warm soapy water, then and microorganisms can be passively spread and where possibly rinsing with bleach and water mix. Let dry completely. dangerous microorganisms are located, can improve hygiene practices • Clean one Madagascar hissing cockroach by holding the cock- of individuals, which in turn can reduce the transmission of these roach in your hand and spraying the cockroach with soapy water microorganisms. solution. Then spray or run under water to wash away soap. Learning Objectives Pat cockroach dry with clean paper towel. Be careful; the cockroach may try to escape. • Define “microorganism.” Make sure to wash the cockroach’s feet and underside. • Explain human-microorganism interactions. Wear gloves while handling this cockroach. • Define “vector.” • Place clean cockroach into the sanitized container. This will be • ’ Determine the Madagascar hissing cockroach s role as a vector the unexposed cockroach. of microorganisms. • Prepare agar plates, if they were not purchased pre-made. • Apply the scientific method. Preparing the plates takes around 20 min, followed by about • Collect, evaluate, graph, display, and comprehend data collected. 1 hour to set. After the plates are set, it is advised to keep • Relate the concept of microorganism vectors to everyday life. plates at 4°C for about a day. The plates can be stored for • Understand the importance of good hygiene. months at 4°C. It is best to store the plates upside down so condensation does not form on the surface of the agar. For Number of Class Periods Needed more information about agar: http://www.sciencebuddies. org/science-fair-projects/project_ideas/MicroBio_Agar.shtml Two class periods total over the course of two days; one class (Lui & Usinger, 2015). period is approximately 50 minutes. Activity Class, Part 1 (Monday start suggested) (1 class period) National Science Standards • Hand out “Microorganism in the Kitchen” cartoon (Appendix The Next Generation Science Standards suggest that students Figure 3), have students answer question, then discuss the cartoon. should be able to demonstrate and construct arguments on internal • Discuss proper procedures on handling a Madagascar hissing and external structures of animals that support survival and cockroach. growth, and that students should be able to “use models to repre- • Divide students into groups (2 to 4 students per group). sent the relationships between animals (humans) and the places • Ask students to predict if the Madagascar hissing cockroach will they live.” These standards are supported through this student be a vector of microorganisms. Students will do this by making activity (NGSS