Journey of the germ: A Chrysalis Fund project bringing students closer to the backyard intersection of entomology and virology

Abstract: The San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District (SGVMVCD) created Journey of the Germ to fill a gap in our educational tool box. This project is an interactive educational experience Illustrating to students the details of West Nile Virus transmission—a local public health threat in the San Gabriel Valley each year. Students grades 4-12 explore the intersection of entomology, virology, and public health. The journey follows the path of West Nile virus through the suburban Southern California landscape from infected house sparrow, into the gut and other internal tissues of a blood-feeding female Culex quinquefasciatus, and on to unsuspecting humans. Students compare how a difference in temperature affects the replication rate of the virus in the structures and cells of the mosquito, the activities of the mosquito, and the transmission rate to susceptible hosts. Journey of the Germ concludes with an emphasis on each students’ agency in protecting public health by eliminating stagnant water on their property and protecting themselves with repellent. Assessment information is available by contacting our agency. This project was completed in collaboration with researchers from the USDA–ARS in Florida, Texas A & M University, Anastasia Mosquito Control, staff at SGVMVCD, and game creator, Robot Sea Monster.