McKibben Elementary 5th graders had a visit from the Los Angeles County Vector Control’s Mosquito S.W.A.T. Lab at their school on Wednesday, January 22. Students got to study the ecology and anatomy of mosquitos, and learn the positive actions they can take to protect themselves and others from mosquito born viruses.
Students first heard from individuals from Vector Control who taught them all about the different kinds of mosquitos and how they multiply. They then talked about what students can do to help prevent mosquitos from laying eggs. Students got to then break up into groups and play a game where they had to identify on a map of a home all the places that could be a breeding ground for mosquitos and how they can help.
After their game they got to step into the Lab. The mobile lab is a 35 foot RV converted into a VecMobile science lab. Inside there are hands-on, fun, and educational activities that promote student comprehension and learning. It features microscopes, interactive touch screens and applications, and a 3D bug show. Students got to look at mosquitos and eggs under microscopes and got to explore the touch screen to identify a mosquitos’ anatomy.
S.W.A.T. stands for Standing Water Action Team and their goal is to, “seek to educate and foster student interest in the pursuit of future scientific careers in the fields of entomology, biology, and public health.” The educational experience addresses public health, environmental sustainability, and vector control all while meeting science standard goals.
The Mosquito S.W.A.T. Lab is supported by the Los Angeles County Vector Control District and is available free of cost to elementary schools within the district.
More information:
https://www.mosquitolab.org/about_us