Teacher Training

Scope Out with Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D.

Two boys are examining a microscope in a classroom, showing curiosity and engagement in a science activity.

FREE Teacher Training Opportunity for middle school teachers at schools in the San Gabriel Valley

​2024 Workshop:

  • Day 1: Thursday, July 25, 2024 (10am - 3pm) - via Zoom
  • Day 2: Friday, July 26, 2024 (9am - 4pm) - Hands-on Lab

​Project duration: Implement program at your middle school between July 29 - November 30

​Where:

  • Day 1: Zoom
  • Day 2: 1145 N Azusa Canyon Rd., West Covina, CA 91790

​Cost: FREE

  • * 3 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) offered through Cal Poly Pomona

Sign up deadline: Sunday, May 26th

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

  1. Mosquito biology, surveillance strategies, mosquito source reduction, and bite prevention strategies
  2. Link between mosquitoes, vector-borne disease, and climate change
  3. How to facilitate our community science mosquito surveillance program with your middle school students
  4. Student use of microscopes to analyze field data collected and data reporting

​Professional Development Credit

Three Cal Poly Pomona Continuing Education Units (CEUs) offered for free at the completion of the course.

People are observing through microscopes and referencing materials in a lab setting, possibly for educational purposes.
Lab Activity: Two teachers, one looking into microscope and the other looking at an insect key
A person examines a card while a woman assists in a laboratory setting with microscopes and a presentation in the background.
Lab Activity: Teacher inspecting an Aedes mosquito eggs in a bag
Three individuals in a lab are using microscopes, analyzing specimens on a table filled with tools and materials. All are wearing masks.
Lab Activity: Teachers analyzing mosquito eggs under microscope
A person in a black shirt and mask is watering plants in a garden surrounded by greenery.
Lab Activity: Teacher inspecting common mosquito sources
Two people are outdoors, one examining dry plant material while the other picks up something near a path. It's a green, leafy environment.
Water Collection Activity: Teacher collecting a water sample
A group of people in masks are outdoors at a table, engaging in a hands-on activity with items like rocks and a bag.
Preparing Results: Teachers around a table preparing to dry their lure cup results
Five people in masks stand together holding cups, promoting an initiative against a brick wall, with informational signage in the background.
Group Photo: Five teachers holding up Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. cups.
People are observing through microscopes and referencing materials in a lab setting, possibly for educational purposes.
A person examines a card while a woman assists in a laboratory setting with microscopes and a presentation in the background.
Three individuals in a lab are using microscopes, analyzing specimens on a table filled with tools and materials. All are wearing masks.
A person in a black shirt and mask is watering plants in a garden surrounded by greenery.
Two people are outdoors, one examining dry plant material while the other picks up something near a path. It's a green, leafy environment.
A group of people in masks are outdoors at a table, engaging in a hands-on activity with items like rocks and a bag.
Five people in masks stand together holding cups, promoting an initiative against a brick wall, with informational signage in the background.

Training Breakdown

Day 1 (Synchronous): Zoom

Topics:

  • Importance of vector control to public health
  • Connection between climate change and vector-borne disease
  • Vector-borne disease cycles in the San Gabriel Valley
  • Emerging diseases and vector/pathogens of concern
A girl in a blue shirt is kneeling by a plant, placing a black container among white rocks in a garden setting.

Day 2 (Synchronous): Hands-on Lab

Topics:​

  • Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. Overview
  • Aedes 101, Source Reduction, Bite Prevention
  • Science behind G.R.I.D. techniques
  • Sample collection and analysis
  • Preparing for Facilitation

Project implementation date range (Asynchronous): July 29 - November 30

  • Develop instructional plan
  • Implementation of program with middle school students
    • Total project time for students is approximately 4 weeks
      • Week 0: Student sign-ups and permission slip submissions
      • Week 1: Water sample collection (at home)
      • Week 2: Set out a G.R.I.D. lure for a week (at home)
      • Week 3: Analyze results (as a class)
  • Classroom microscopes are necessary for analysis of mosquito egg papers and sample water analysis

 View Speakers and Topics, see Guest Speakers.

A group of five people wearing masks pose playfully against a brick wall outdoors.

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

"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

Links and Resources

Operation Mosquito G.R.I.D. overview

The image features an icon of a checklist or document with lines indicating items or sections.
2022 Class Syllabus.pdf

(2024 coming soon)

The image shows a small, oval object that appears to be a dark, shiny seed or possibly an insect part on skin.

Student Egg Paper Results 2023

The image shows several small, dark larvae in a petri dish, along with some debris or sediment on the surface.

Student Water Sample Results 2023 

Contact

EcoHealth Vector Education Program

San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Agency

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