Scope Out with Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D.
FREE Teacher Training Opportunity for middle teachers at schools
in the San Gabriel Valley
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2024 Workshop:
Day 1: Thursday, July 25, 2024 (10am - 3pm) - via Zoom
Day 2: Friday, July 26, 2024 (9am - 4pm) - Hands-on Lab
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Project duration: Implement program at your middle school between July 29 - November 30
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Where:
Day 1: Zoom
Day 2: 1145 N Azusa Canyon Rd., West Covina, CA 91790
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Cost: FREE
* 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) offered through Cal Poly Pomona
Sign up deadline: Sunday, April 28th
Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. Teacher Training
About Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D.
Populations of invasive Aedes mosquitoes were detected in the San Gabriel Valley in 2011. These mosquitoes are capable of transmitting dengue, yellow fever, Zika and other dangerous pathogens. Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. (Growth Reduction, Increased Detection) mobilizes middle school students to get mosquitoes off the grid. Participants will use an industry-standard surveillance tool (an oviposition lure) to determine the presence or absence of Aedes mosquitoes on their property. Students analyze their lure data at school and submit the results to our public health agency.
Topics covered during teacher training
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Mosquito biology, surveillance strategies, mosquito source reduction, and bite prevention strategies
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Link between mosquitoes, vector-borne disease, and climate change
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How to facilitate our community science mosquito surveillance program with your middle school students
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Student use of microscopes to analyze field data collected and data reporting
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Professional Development Credit
Three Cal Poly Pomona Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered for free at the completion of the course.
Two teachers, one looking into microscope and the other looking at an insect key
Teacher inspecting an Aedes mosquito eggs in a bag
Five teachers holding up Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. cups.
Two teachers, one looking into microscope and the other looking at an insect key
Training Breakdown
Day 1 (Synchronous): Zoom
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Topics:
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Importance of vector control to public health
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Connection between climate change and vector-borne disease
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Vector-borne disease cycles in the San Gabriel Valley
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Emerging diseases and vector/pathogens of concern
Day 2 (Synchronous): Hands-on Lab
Topics:​
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Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. Overview
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Aedes 101, Source Reduction, Bite Prevention
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Science behind G.R.I.D. techniques
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Sample collection and analysis
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Preparing for Facilitation
Project implementation date range (Asynchronous): July 29 - November 30
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Develop instructional plan
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Implementation of program with middle school students
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Total project time for students is approximately 4 weeks
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Week 0: Student sign-ups and permission slip submissions
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Week 1: Water sample collection (at home)
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Week 2: Set out a G.R.I.D. lure for a week (at home)
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Week 3: Analyze results (as a class)
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Classroom microscopes are necessary for analysis of mosquito egg papers and sample water analysis
Teacher Feedback
"I received so much knowledge and hands-on experience out of the two-day Cal Poly Pomona training. It was very interesting and engaging for teachers... This training gave me every reason to be motivated towards a common cause to help save lives by eradicating an invasive species in our neighborhoods." - 8th grade teacher, Pasadena USD
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"I learned a lot about mosquitos (lifecycle, reproduction, native vs. invasive species). I also learned about the importance of vector control in public health." - 8th grade teacher, Bonita USD
Contact
EcoHealth Vector Education Program
San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Agency
(626) 214-0726
SGVMVCD services: Alhambra, Arcadia, Azusa, Baldwin Park, Bradbury, Claremont, Covina, Duarte, El Monte, Glendora, Industry, Irwindale, La Puente, La Verne, Monterey Park, Monrovia, Pasadena, Pomona, Rosemead, San Dimas, San Gabriel, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena, Temple City, West Covina and Walnut