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Writer's pictureAgent Luna

November: FALL into Science!

Hello educators,


The EcoHealth newsletter is back! We have been busy responding to a very demanding mosquito season and conducting community science across the San Gabriel Valley. Now, we are excited to continue providing you with some great science resources.



 


Education Specialists at a school holding a demonstration jar filled with mosquitoes.

Our fall community science programs have been a roaring success with more than 600 middle school students signing up for Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. and more than 450 elementary students signing up for the Vector Inspector Program (V.I.P.). See their surveillance results below:


A big THANK YOU to all the participating community science teachers and students that have contributed to safer neighborhoods this fall!


Our senior vector ecologist is examining Aedes eggs collected by our G.R.I.D. students to determine what species are present in which locations around the San Gabriel Valley! This information adds to our understanding of Aedes species distribution in our jurisdiction and forwards our understanding of these invasive mosquitoes.

Two Aedes mosquito eggs under the microscope.

Our agency has recruited volunteers to help with the analysis of water and oviposition papers collected by our community scientists. A big shout-out to Anita Lin for volunteering this year to help process all the community science samples.


Volunteer, Anita Lin (left), and Education Specialist, Kriztian Luna, processing samples.


Fall Science for Younger Students


Need some fall inspiration? Here are some ideas to get your class stoked for science!



Mosquito Resources


Interested in a short video relating to mosquitoes or looking to book a program for spring? Check out our “Teacher Resources” page.


Grosvenor Teacher Fellowship

Check out this pre-K - 12 professional development opportunity by Lindblad Expeditions and the National Geographic Society. The goal: building geographic knowledge and global awareness.


Roots and Shoots Grant

Apply for a $250 grant for a community-action project. Applications close November 21, 2023.



The Latest from Science News Explores!

Have students ages 9 and up explore this current event publication. Subjects include: science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).


 

Truth or Myth: Rain and humidity create ideal conditions for mosquitoes.



This is TRUE! Hurricane Hilary and all of the rain we received this summer has contributed to ideal conditions for mosquitoes. The mosquito life cycle requires water. The rain has filled up containers in residents’ yards, creating growing sites for the aquatic life stages. The humidity in the air helps keep adult mosquitoes from drying out. Combined, this has led to more mosquitoes this summer and fall.


What can you (and your students) do? Continue to tip out stagnant water, toss out unused containers that can catch and hold water, and use repellent on your skin to protect yourself from bites.


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