Bear Essential News August 2021, Tucson Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

August 2021 • Tucson Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

essential news

®

Bear’s Annual Field Trip & Family Destinations Guide!

See pages 16–20

In This Picture: Find a picnic cup, a pencil, a lightning bolt, an A+, an airplane, the word TEACHER, a badminton birdie, a tooth, a sun hat and the word HOT!

FEATURE

NEWS

What Is Drought ?

Back-to-School Time Storyteller Festival

Plus, some water-saving tips Pages 12 & 13

Spotlight on historic wildfires News Highlights page 5

NEWS & more news kids can use Scoops pages 7, 10, 21 & 22

FAMILIES

FUN

Find a Field Trip

We're Back!

in Bear’s helpful guide!

Pages 16 thru 20

It’s Boomer’s fun page.

Page 14

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

August Is Drowning Impact Awareness Month!

Drowning is 100% preventable when following the ABC’s of Water Safety!

Fill in the missing words from the word bank to complete the nine water safety rules.

1. ________________________ to swim.

2. Never swim _________________________ .

3. No __________________________ in shallow water.

4. No ___________________________containers around the pool.

5. Swim only in clear __________________________ and head for cover when a storm threatens.

6. No ________________________ or horesplay.

7. Keep ____________________ appliances away from the water.

8. Do not __________________ in the water to save someone in trouble; throw something to them for assistance.

9. Call 911 in case of _____________________ .

Word Bank

Active Adult Supervision • Always watch children when they are in or near ANY body of water, without being distracted • Never leave children unattended • Keep young children within arm’s length of an adult • Designate an official Water Watcher - an adult tasked with supervising children in the water

a. running b. electrical c. emergency

d. weather e. diving f. learn

Barriers • Pool fencing around pools and spas • Self-closing, selflatching gates • Teach children to never climb over the gate or fence • Install a door alarm from the house to the pool area • Keep pool and spa covers in working order

g. jump h. alone i. glass

Coast GuardApproved Life Vest & Classes • All inexperienced swimmers should wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest in or near all bodies of water.

• Choose a life vest that is right for your child’s weight and water activity.

• Arm floaties are toys. They are not a life-saving device and should never replace a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life vest.

• Enroll children in swimming lessons • Take CPR classes just in case of an emergency

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

August 2021 •

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

CONGREGATION ANSHEI ISRAEL

ESTER B. FELDMAN

PRESCHOOL

An inspiring, nurturing and loving preschool program open to ALL families with children 14-months to Pre-K.

Proudly teaching children from generation to generation.

5550 E. 5th St. Tucson, AZ 85711 (520) 745-5550

caiaz.org

Bear Hugs:

Engaging With the Grandkids

by Mary DeStefano

Keep Reading to Your Grandkids!

As a retired teacher and grandparent, I have many thoughts about missed opportunities to make closer connections with children, but I also have some easy ideas for how to engage children in very positive ways. For example: a friend recently told me that in addition to enjoying a splash in the pool with her grandchild, they had spent time making LEGO boat designs to test and see which ones would float.

Whether it’s finding an inexpensive world or U.S. map to display on a wall or going on a rock hunt, in this column, I’d like to connect you to books and activities that add that “extra something” that makes time spent with youngsters more engaging.

We all know it’s important to read to toddlers and preschoolers. But research shows us numerous reasons to continue reading to our youngsters right Image: shutterstock.com up to high school! Some of the benefits: • Builds vocabulary and increases comprehension.

• Provides opportunities to discuss concerns and build a sense of the world.

• Encourages children to read the rest of the series on their own.

• Gives children the chance to listen to and respond to text that’s above their reading level.

• Improves listening skills.

• Helps to bond with children.

• Provides positive modeling and analysis of a story.

• Provides a way to introduce the classics.

These are just a few reasons to motivate you to find new ways to connect.

This could be through the use of an article in Bear Essential News or the local newspaper, a book or a local venue you might visit together.

Each month this column will offer a general topic with book suggestions as well as places to delve into the topic a bit more.

So let’s begin! This month’s topic: GEOLOGY Book suggestions: 1. “Everybody Needs a Rock” by Byrd Baylor, an Arizona author (K–3) 2. “Let’s Go Rock Collecting” by Roma Gans (2nd–5th) Activities you might do after reading a book or two on geology with the kids: • Make a list of things people could collect.

• Go for a walk and find your very own special rock. Try to determine if the rock is igneous, metamorphic or sedimentary. Why or why not?

• Bring a rock home to paint. Larger flat rocks work best.

• Create a rock garden.

• Visit Kartchner Caverns, Colossal Cave or the new museum in Tucson dedicated to Tucson’s big Gem and Mineral Show.

• In Phoenix, visit Desert Botanical Garden and nearby Papago Park, including the well-known Hole in the Rock.

• In Mesa, visit the Arizona Museum of Natural History. (Its rock collection isn’t on display but is available to see by appointment.)

August 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B

News Highlights om Image: shuttersto ck.c

Earlier in the year, Gov. Doug Ducey rolled back Arizona’s COVID-19 measures. He also signed an executive order that banned mask mandates for all staff and students. After the CDC announced its updated guidance, Ducey said that Arizona will continue to not allow mask mandates.

“Arizona does not allow mask mandates, vaccine mandates, vaccine passports or discrimination in schools based on who is or isn’t vaccinated,” Ducey said in a press release. “We’ve passed all of this into law, and it will not change.” In the same press release, Ducey continued to say that those who are eligible for the vaccine should get it. In Arizona, more than 46 percent of the population is fully vaccinated and 51 percent has received at least one dose of the vaccine.

Health Chief & Superintendent Push Safety Recent rises in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations around the state and the arrival of a more contagious version of the virus have Arizona’s school superintendent and Dept. of Health director reaching out to the public.

“COVID-19 cases are increasing in Arizona,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the state health department in a Zoom news conference on July 23. “The main driver (is) those not fully vaccinated. It’s so important to get Dr. Christ vaccinated if you haven’t already been.” Currently, only those 12 and older are eligible to be vaccinated. She warns that the Delta variant of the virus, believed to spread from person to person more easily, has increased dramatically in the state.

“As we head back to school, we urge all of those who are eligible, including students 12 and older, to get vaccinated,” Dr. Christ said.

While a new state law does not allow masks to

5

Historic Wildfires

To Mask Up or Not to Mask Up? It’s August and you know what that means— most of us are headed back to school this month!

While it’s always fun to see our friends and meet our new teachers, this year we also have to think about whether we’re going to wear a mask when we’re back in the classroom.

Last month, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) released guidance recommending that everyone over the age of 2, regardless of their vaccination status, wear a mask in school. This includes all students, teachers and staff. The AAP also announced that they support in-person learning.

The week after the AAP released its guidance, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its mask guidance as well. They are now recommending that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of COVID-19. This applies to approximately two-thirds of all counties across the country. At the time of the CDC’s new guidance, all but two of Arizona’s counties, Yuma and Cochise, fell into the substantial and high categories where everyone should be wearing a mask, regardless of vaccination status. The CDC continues to recommend that those who are unvaccinated should get the vaccine and continue wearing a mask until they are fully vaccinated.

BEAR 40 YEARS

be MANDATED by schools, “Our school guidance recommends that all unvaccinated individuals, which in this case includes children under 12, wear a mask when they’re indoors at school,” Christ continued. She says two of her three kids are still under 12 and she sent them to school with masks.

In the July 21 edition of the Arizona Republic, School Superintendent Kathy Hoffman shared her recommendations in her opinion piece. While she believes opening Arizona schools is a top priority, it must be done safely.

Hoffman She encourages parents to get their students who are 12 or older vaccinated. “Send your student to school with a mask. The American Academy of Pediatrics recently encouraged all students older than 2 and all school staff to wear masks for in-person school,” the superintendent writes.

She also stressed the importance of not sending your child to school if the student is not feeling well or “if you believe they have been exposed to COVID-19.”

This time of year means long, sunny days and the infamous Arizona heat. Unfortunately, it also means wildfire season across the Western United States.

Arizona has seen some terrible wildfires in years past. The 10 largest wildfires in our state’s history have all happened in the last 20 years. Last year was particularly bad as Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management officials report that 2,520 wildfires burned 978,519 acres of the state, federal and tribal lands in 2020. Eighty-two percent of those fires were human caused.

Earlier this summer, the Telegraph Fire burned more than 180,000 acres and made the list for the top 10 largest wildfires in our state’s history. Fortunately, the rainy MONSOON has put a damper on wildfires across the state and helped with drought conditions as well.

Wildfire Facts: • Number of states battling wildfires: 13 • Largest wildfire ever in AZ: Wallow (2011) • Firefighters battling Bootleg Fire: 2,300

However, this summer has also seen some pretty terrible wildfires in other parts of the Western United States. In Oregon, the Bootleg Fire has burned more than 600 square miles this summer, driven by months of drought and last month’s heat wave.

When it comes to wildfires, normally the weather influences the wildfire, such as wind making it harder to fight the fire. The Bootleg Fire is burning so hot and generating so much energy that it’s actually changing the weather!

There are other wildfires burning in a dozen other states as well. The National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC) reports that there are other large wildfires burning in Alaska, Idaho and Minnesota. The NFIC reports that 82 large fires have burned more than 1.7 million acres this year. Almost 22,000 firefighters and support personnel are battling the blazes, with more than 10 percent of those firefighters battling Oregon’s Bootleg Fire.

The wildfires affect the land for decades to come, pose a threat to wildlife and humans, and destroy homes and buildings. The large wildfires this summer have also sent smoke nearly 3,000 miles away. Smoke settled as far away as Philadelphia, New York, and in the eastern parts of Canada.

6

BEAR 40 YEARS •

August 2021

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Get the Scoop!

Storyteller Shares Tales at Festival

by Reporter Aleena Rafiyath, BASIS Oro Valley During the summer, I had the opportunity to interview educator and storyteller Mike Lindsey, or “Writingbear,” his name used for storytelling, prayer and ceremony. He will be sharing a story at the Tucson Humanities Festival this year. He has lived in many places and shares stories to various audiences.

The 12th annual Tucson Humanities Festival, STORYTELLING, will take place at the University of Arizona from October to November. The festival will have a series of local events, lectures, and special guests presented by the College of Humanities. Lindsey will perform on Oct. 4 at 5:30 p.m. To learn about more events at the festival, visit humanitiesfestival.arizona.edu.

Lindsey has lived in many states and a foreign country as well, including Tennessee, Washington D.C., Florida and Japan. He says living in a variety of places does have an effect on your storytelling. That includes the experience accumulated over the time spent in these places and the awareness gained.

Lindsey elaborates on this awareness, describing a “fish and water” as a person and his or her environment. When living in a different culture, you are aware of your own culture, he explains. As an example, living in the Navajo Nation made him realize more about his own culture, because he saw the differences between his and the surrounding culture.

I asked whether a good family life is important

or not towards storytelling.

Lindsey agrees that family is important because stories are told by family, and he explains how his grandmother, also a storyteller, was the most significant influence throughout his life and storytelling, even after her passing. Lindsey has Cherokee heritage on both sides of his family.

Lindsey went to graduate school for a master’s in teaching English, which he taught in Japan. He has served many positions in a variety of places, including the Council of Native American Baha’i Institute (NABI), and the Library and Information Services Coordinator at the Center for English as a Second Language (CESL) which he recently retired from at the U of A. Lindsey shares his stories at schools, museums, MORE STORYTELLER, page 21 ➧

Thrift Store Benefits Humane Society

by Reporter Camilla Valdez, La Paloma Academy Lakeside There are many ways you can help an animal, but did you know it could be as easy as shopping? I interviewed Steve Farley, CEO of the Humane Society of Southern Arizona, about the grand opening of the HSSA Thrift Store.

“We got the word out, but I didn’t expect so many people to show up. By 9 a.m., there was a huge line of people waiting to get in, and we opened at 10,” says Farley. He added that they plan to turn that location into a shelter, so more animals can get adopted. “Every single dollar you spend helps a homeless animal at our shelter. Sometimes it can be thousands of dollars for just one animal to be healthy. We take in all kinds of animals and sometimes they need lots of medical help or training.”

The thrift store has a huge variety, from clothes to furniture, all at an affordable prices. “We encourage people to come in every week, it’s like a store, there is something new every day,” says Farley. Even if you can’t shop you can still help by donating unwanted items. Sam Levitz helps by donating furniture that

they’ve had for a while, and HSSA resells it, at a cheap price! “I’m really proud of the finished product, just a week ago we were putting the roof on the building, and it was crazy, but I’m really proud of how it turned out,” says Farley. He also mentioned their future plans and new locations.

“We are the Humane Society of Southern Arizona and we’re serious about that, so we are opening a new location in Bisbee to help animals there, too. Each week 10 animals will be transported from Bisbee to our main location on Roger Road,” he says.

Not only are their items affordable, but every dollar is used to help an animal in need. Tuesday is Senior discount day and all shoppers 55 and older will receive a 15% discount. Military also receive a 15% discount with a valid military ID. Visit hssaz.org and click on shop for more information.

I would like to thank Farley and his incredible team for taking care of thousands of animals and finding time to answer my questions.

MORE SCOOPS, page 10 ➧

BEAR 40 YEARS

7

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

Taking Off: Tips for Plane Travel

by Reporter Sophie Hannley Esperero Canyon Middle School I’ve never been on an airplane...that I can actually remember! I’ve flown to Michigan and Texas, but given that I was 3, I have no memory of this experience.

But this summer, I’m flying with my family to visit my grandpa in Montana.

This will be an airplane trip I’ll actually remember! I’m super excited (and a little nervous) about flying. So I’ve done a ton of research about airplane travel. It turns out there’s a lot to know before you head to the airport.

Here are some helpful tricks and tips I’ve learned so that you, too, can have a successful flight and vacation.

You can bring a small bag onto the airplane, which is called a carry-on bag. In the carry-on bag, you cannot have liquids or gels in bottles that are larger than 3.4 ounces. However, in a checked bag (the bag that goes under the airplane) you can have bottles (like shampoo or sunscreen) that are in sizes bigger than 3.4 ounces.

Any food that you bring onto the airplane has to be in a sealed package.

For example, you cannot bring a plastic baggie of goldfish crackers because it is not in a sealed, unopened package.

You also cannot bring liquids (such as water in a reusable bottle) through security. If you do, they will dump it out!

Instead you can bring an empty reusable water bottle that you then fill up outside of security, in the terminal.

Because you (and your carry-on bag) have to go through a security check, it’s a good decision to wear shoes that you can slip off and on easily and quickly.

MORE PLANE TRAVEL, page 22 ➧

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BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

Volume 42 • Issue 11

Editor & Publisher

Sales Director & Publisher

Stephen B Gin

Nancy Holmes

City Editor

YR Coordinator

Copy Editor

Art Director

Mike Loghry

Gary Shepard

Renee Griffith

Julie Madden

Bear Essential News for Kids®

is published monthly by Kids’ View Communications Corp. to educate, enrich and entertain children and their families. Content of this newspaper is designed to promote reading and writing skills as well as creativity.

Classroom educators are welcome to reproduce any portion of this newspaper for their students.

Call or fax Kids’ View Communications for any additional information on stories.

Please Call (520)

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©2021 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved • 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax# (520) 792-2580 • Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

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ids!

Hey, K

What are your favorite memes?

What makes a good meme?

Do they make you laugh or make you think?

Do you look for certain content creators or anxiously await new videos each week (or month)?

What's your favorite thing to do online? Watch videos, play games, connect with friends or make your own reactions or memes?

Boomer wants to know what you think is funny and why it makes you laugh!

Share your favorites, and tell us "What does it Meme?" at:

boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Please include your name and age, and share your thoughts about what memes mean to you and what you like to do online.

When There’s a Big Storm Warning...

and the Weather Reporter Is the Fir st to Get Blown Away !

Boomer Bear’s Favorite Memes

August 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

9

Scout Me In—It’s a Family Thing!

More and more, Scouting has become a family thing. So if you ask someone what’s best about Cub Scouts, their answer may be spending time with a young brother or sister or their parent(s)!

Now is the perfect time to join. Cub Scout Fun Day is Oct. 2 at the Catalina Council’s Double V Scout Ranch. And anyone joining through Sept. 30 gets a free invitation to this super fun event!

Jaxson Mullin, now a fifth-grader, started Cub Scouts in first grade. He joined “to make friends and have fun while learning stuff (like archery and swimming). I own a bow—a recurve,” he shares.

His sister, Ellis, is a first-grader and started as

a Lion Cub in kindergarten. She looks forward to Pool Day at the Double V the most, but also likes being a Cub Scout to make friends, go to camp and make Pinewood Derby cars.

Boys and girls from kindergarten through fifth grade can join Cub Scouts and start at the rank and enjoy activities for their grade level. It’s quality time for the whole family, and fun, hands-on learning and achievement. Cub Scouts are divided into boy dens or girl dens.

Their parents, Brie and Zack Mullin, appreciate what Scouting has to offer their kids and their family. Brie is a Cubmaster and Zack earned

JOIN CUB SCOUTS TODAY!

All Cub Scouts who join through Sept. 30, 2021 will receive an invitation to join us for this fun event for free.

October 2, 2021 • 9

AM

to 2

PM

Jaxson and his sister Elli s show off their survival bracel ets they made at Camp Lawton.

Eagle Scout several years ago in the Catalina Council!

“It has a lot of different opportunities for us as parents to entertain, engage and learn alongside them even in the form of the requirements,” Brie explains. Those requirements, she points out, are called adventures. “They earn these great pins and loops that they wear on their belt or on their shoulders. It really helps them feel proud of themselves and the work they do.”

Brie and Zack believe in the values that Scouting instills, including the Cub Scout motto, “Do your best.”

To Jaxson, that means not to be lazy, to pay attention at school and doing chores like feeding the family pets and cleaning up after them. Ellis says it means doing what you can at school and when doing your homework.

Opening Cub Scouts and Scouts BSA to females in recent years is a welcome change for the Mullins.

“First and foremost, the fact that they allow girls now, makes this very much a family affair,” Zack explains. “Four years ago, I would say, ‘I’m looking forward to our son being an Eagle (Scouting’s highest rank).’ And now I get to say.

‘I’m looking forward to my children being Eagles’—our boy and girl!”

The parents also like the way Scouting develops young people to become leaders. Up at Camp Lawton, where their kids recently attended Weekend Adventure Camp, both kids got to lead some activities. “It made her feel really proud. It makes them both want to be leaders,” Brie says.

She appreciates the way Scouting “develops people who are willing to go out there and give a little bit of themselves in the way of time and energy to impact the community.”

Call 520-750-0385 or find a unit near you at BeAScout.org • 2250 E. Broadway Blvd. • Tucson, AZ

10

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August 2021

B GO AHEAD. STAY OUT AND PLAY! We Have Dinner Covered!

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Continued from page 7

Training to Be a Jr. Lifeguard

by Reporter Abigail Hernandez, Arizona Virtual Academy This summer, I joined Pima County’s Jr. Lifeguard program. The program lasts four weeks.

We’re in week three, and I feel like I’ve learned a lot.

The first week of training we talked about how to assist with swimming lessons. We went over the different swim lesson levels: White, Blue, Red, Green and Yellow. We talked about the different swim skills for the different lesson levels, and how teachers teach them. We got to show swim skills.

My friend and I did side glides, and some of the other groups did easy swim skills such as getting your head underwater, diving and streamline. On the last day of week one, we got to help out with swim lessons, My friend and I helped out and played games with the little kids.

The second week of training we did entry into the pool as a lifeguard with your tube. We learned the different ways to enter and when you need to.

Compact, Walk-in and Slide-in all have different purposes, and without the correct entry could hurt the patron. One of the days it was raining and we talked about first aid and the lifeguards shared their experiences.

This week, we learned how to execute a rescue in the water. We teamed up with someone and one of us “died” while the other entered the pool and used the tube to get them safely to shore. Yesterday we did distress (conscious victim that can talk) rescues, and today MORE JR LIFEGUARD, page 21 ➧

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Growing, Growing,

Strong!

August 2021 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

11

Sponsored by

Fun tips on healthy foods, fitness and well being —from our family to yours!

Back

To School?

Time to get your sleep back on track

Written by Paulette Savino, RDN Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Phoenix Children’s

phoenixchildrens.org 602-933-0935

Remember, kids need to get their ZZZZs!

Below are some tips for better sleep: • Keep their room cool, dark, and quiet.

Blackout curtains, a fan or white noise machine can block light and outside noises.

This will also help curb their use around bedtime.

• Establish a sleep schedule. Put the kids to bed and wake them up around the same time each day. That will help their bodies go into deep sleep easier.

• Turn off electronics (TVs, tablets, phones, and video games) at least one hour before bedtime. The light from those screens makes it harder to fall asleep.

• Keep electronic devices out of the bedroom.

Find another place to charge them at night, such as a family charging station in the kitchen, so dings and buzzes don’t disrupt sleep.

• Have kids do something relaxing before bed.

Try taking a bath, stretching, or light book reading. Do whatever helps them feel calm and peaceful.

Stay Informed All School Year Long!

See you online!

Sign up for Bear’s weekly NEWSLETTER. You’ll find helpful information on: • New Contests

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• Features & More

• Family Fun

• Resource Guides

• Look for BEAR at your local library

To sign up, go to BearEssentialNews.com and click on the envelope icon at the top right hand side of the site.

Images: shutterstock.com

S

leep is super important for growing kids.

It helps their minds and bodies work best. They will feel better, have more energy and be able to focus easier at school when they get enough sleep at night.

So, how much sleep do kids need? Well, it varies by age, but experts recommend kids between the ages of 6-12 years get 9 to 12 hours of sleep each night. That’s a lot of sleep! If they need to wake up at 6:30am for school, that means bedtime should be between 6:30 and 9:30pm.

Getting the right amount of sleep will help them feel less stressed and ready to tackle the new school year.

www.bearessentialnews.com

• August 2021

Photo courtesy of: Pima County Wastewater

& Saving Water

The Not-so-Good News…

Heavy monsoon rains in July around the state have lifted several parts of Arizona out of the most severe drought conditions.

July tends to be the state’s wettest month. Phoenix usually gets just under an inch of rain. But this past month, Phoenicians received 1.8" of rain—the most since 2013. Meanwhile, Tucson got socked by summer storms, totaling just a hair over 8", its wettest July on record! (Rainfall totals for Tucson started being recorded in 1894.) A few spots nearby got a foot of rain in July!

Despite getting good monsoon rains, almost all of Arizona is still in a drought! Before the much-needed rain, more than half of the state was in an “Exceptional Drought,” which is the worst drought level. Many other areas were considered in “Extreme Drought,” which isn’t quite as bad.

But with the monsoon, only about 9 percent of the state remains in Exceptional Drought. It’s the SEVERITY of our drought that has been lessened so that about 86 percent of Arizona is now in Severe or Extreme Drought. Tucson is currently somewhere between a Moderate to Severe drought. By some measures, we’re in our 28th year of drought, so it’s going to take more than one really wet month to break out of our drought.

A drought is a period of water shortage, when a lack of rain or snow (PRECIPITATION) produces dry conditions. It can affect a relatively small area or be more widespread, sometimes large enough to engulf an entire continent.

It might be as short as one season or, like the one Arizona is in, can last for years!

Droughts are a natural part of climate and there’s almost always drought going on somewhere in the world, posing major challenges for the people, animals and plants that live in that area.

Areas hit by drought can have rivers and reservoirs lose their water, soil crack, trees stressed and VULNERABLE to infestation, crops fail, and grasses and flowers turn brown. These dried-out (arid) conditions can also lead to dangerous and costly wildfires (see “In the Spotlight” on page 5).

Tucson Water pumps nearly 322 billion gallons of water each year for its 722,000 customers.

About 90 percent of that water is a blend of groundwater and Colorado River water (delivered by the 336-mile-long CAP canal) that’s been recharged into the aquifer.

Phoenix Water provides water for 1.7 million people. It’s mostly a combination of surface water from the Salt, Verde and Colorado rivers.

Phoenix Water is one of the regional campaign steering committee partners with Water – Use It Wisely, a water conservation campaign. The campaign provides communities throughout Arizona with simple and fun water-saving tips to encourage water conservation.

Christian Delgado is a water resource specialist for Phoenix Water. “The more we can conserve, the better it is for everybody,” he says.

Overall, Tucsonans and Phoenicians do pretty well when it comes to conserving water, with an average of 110 gallons or less per person per day. “They’re actually doing better now than they were 30 or 40 years ago,” Delgado points out. “Water usage has gone down substantially because they are very water conscious and due to some changes in technology.”

Saving Water Outdoors

Yearly Average Rainfall in Arizona k.com

The Water that We Use

What Is Drought?

The need for everybody young and old to learn ways they can save water here in Arizona is key. “Conserving water is very important because of the drought,” Delgado points out. “We don’t know how long the drought will last. We don’t know what the severity will be.

So every last bit of water counts. If we save more at home, that means we can save more from the original sources, which means we’ll have more for the future.”

Despite being hit by heavy monsoon rains last month, Arizona still faces a long drought.

Learning how you can save water helps everybody!

The Good News…

Flagstaff

24"

Phoenix

8"

Tucson

12"

Nogales

18"

August 2021

Image: shutterstock.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

Image: shutterstoc

DROUGHT

Page 12

But did you know that most of the water that people use, especially during our hot summer months, goes to outdoor water use—keeping our plants green?

Be sure to check out wateruseitwisely.com for a ton of simple ways you and your family and classroom can save water, which, Delgado points out, can also save on water bills! There are great tips on ways you can conserve water outdoors and indoors, tips for kids and teachers, and pointers on rainwater harvesting and xeriscaping.

When it rains, Delgado suggests skipping a watering day or two. Parents might pause their drip irrigation system for a couple days, and some systems have rain sensors that automatically pause!

Sometimes rain gutters can be aimed where they can be more beneficial like at trees or shrubs.

Instead of bathing your dog in the bathtub, bathe your dog on the lawn so the water does double duty!

And if you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool, cut down on splashing water out of the pool so it doesn’t have to refill as much.

Drip irrigation systems are a good idea for homeowners because they put the water right where the plant is and can deliver just the right amount needed. But periodically check to make sure they haven’t sprung leaks, which can waste a lot of water.

If homeowners want to improve their landscaping, Delgado says trees can go a long way by providing shade and a cooling effect. Trees and shrubs can be strategically planted on the south and west sides of a home.

“Desert-adapted trees use less water than a non-desert adapted one,” he adds. Another benefit of going with more native plants is that they can attract desert wildlife to your yard!

Reducing lawn areas and designing water catchment areas to create “rain gardens” are also good ideas.

Saving Water Indoors Indoors, keep an ear out for running water or drips when it’s quiet. Delgado says that toilets are usually the top water user inside, followed closely by showers and bathtubs.

For toilets, technology has really come a long way. Some low-water use toilets give you an option to flush your liquid waste (which flushes with less water) or a different button for flushing your solid waste. But older toilet tanks can be fitted with a toilet tank bag so less water is used per flush! Delgado says you can buy toilet dye to test to see if your tank is leaking into the bowl and wasting water. He recommends you test your toilets once a year. Often, the leak is due to an inexpensive flapper wearing out.

Making sure you run your dishwasher or washing machine only when they’re full also will save water on each load.

Parents can also keep an eye on their monthly water bill. Any big spikes could indicate there’s a leak somewhere around your home.

Check out a few more fun water-saving tips on this feature!

•

BEAR 40 YEARS

Page 13

www.bearessentialnews.com

• August 2021

Photo courtesy of: Pima County Wastewater

& Saving Water

The Not-so-Good News…

Heavy monsoon rains in July around the state have lifted several parts of Arizona out of the most severe drought conditions.

July tends to be the state’s wettest month. Phoenix usually gets just under an inch of rain. But this past month, Phoenicians received 1.8" of rain—the most since 2013. Meanwhile, Tucson got socked by summer storms, totaling just a hair over 8", its wettest July on record! (Rainfall totals for Tucson started being recorded in 1894.) A few spots nearby got a foot of rain in July!

Despite getting good monsoon rains, almost all of Arizona is still in a drought! Before the much-needed rain, more than half of the state was in an “Exceptional Drought,” which is the worst drought level. Many other areas were considered in “Extreme Drought,” which isn’t quite as bad.

But with the monsoon, only about 9 percent of the state remains in Exceptional Drought. It’s the SEVERITY of our drought that has been lessened so that about 86 percent of Arizona is now in Severe or Extreme Drought. Tucson is currently somewhere between a Moderate to Severe drought. By some measures, we’re in our 28th year of drought, so it’s going to take more than one really wet month to break out of our drought.

A drought is a period of water shortage, when a lack of rain or snow (PRECIPITATION) produces dry conditions. It can affect a relatively small area or be more widespread, sometimes large enough to engulf an entire continent.

It might be as short as one season or, like the one Arizona is in, can last for years!

Droughts are a natural part of climate and there’s almost always drought going on somewhere in the world, posing major challenges for the people, animals and plants that live in that area.

Areas hit by drought can have rivers and reservoirs lose their water, soil crack, trees stressed and VULNERABLE to infestation, crops fail, and grasses and flowers turn brown. These dried-out (arid) conditions can also lead to dangerous and costly wildfires (see “In the Spotlight” on page 5).

Tucson Water pumps nearly 322 billion gallons of water each year for its 722,000 customers.

About 90 percent of that water is a blend of groundwater and Colorado River water (delivered by the 336-mile-long CAP canal) that’s been recharged into the aquifer.

Phoenix Water provides water for 1.7 million people. It’s mostly a combination of surface water from the Salt, Verde and Colorado rivers.

Phoenix Water is one of the regional campaign steering committee partners with Water – Use It Wisely, a water conservation campaign. The campaign provides communities throughout Arizona with simple and fun water-saving tips to encourage water conservation.

Christian Delgado is a water resource specialist for Phoenix Water. “The more we can conserve, the better it is for everybody,” he says.

Overall, Tucsonans and Phoenicians do pretty well when it comes to conserving water, with an average of 110 gallons or less per person per day. “They’re actually doing better now than they were 30 or 40 years ago,” Delgado points out. “Water usage has gone down substantially because they are very water conscious and due to some changes in technology.”

Saving Water Outdoors

Yearly Average Rainfall in Arizona k.com

The Water that We Use

What Is Drought?

The need for everybody young and old to learn ways they can save water here in Arizona is key. “Conserving water is very important because of the drought,” Delgado points out. “We don’t know how long the drought will last. We don’t know what the severity will be.

So every last bit of water counts. If we save more at home, that means we can save more from the original sources, which means we’ll have more for the future.”

Despite being hit by heavy monsoon rains last month, Arizona still faces a long drought.

Learning how you can save water helps everybody!

The Good News…

Flagstaff

24"

Phoenix

8"

Tucson

12"

Nogales

18"

August 2021

Image: shutterstock.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

Image: shutterstoc

DROUGHT

Page 12

But did you know that most of the water that people use, especially during our hot summer months, goes to outdoor water use—keeping our plants green?

Be sure to check out wateruseitwisely.com for a ton of simple ways you and your family and classroom can save water, which, Delgado points out, can also save on water bills! There are great tips on ways you can conserve water outdoors and indoors, tips for kids and teachers, and pointers on rainwater harvesting and xeriscaping.

When it rains, Delgado suggests skipping a watering day or two. Parents might pause their drip irrigation system for a couple days, and some systems have rain sensors that automatically pause!

Sometimes rain gutters can be aimed where they can be more beneficial like at trees or shrubs.

Instead of bathing your dog in the bathtub, bathe your dog on the lawn so the water does double duty!

And if you’re lucky enough to have a swimming pool, cut down on splashing water out of the pool so it doesn’t have to refill as much.

Drip irrigation systems are a good idea for homeowners because they put the water right where the plant is and can deliver just the right amount needed. But periodically check to make sure they haven’t sprung leaks, which can waste a lot of water.

If homeowners want to improve their landscaping, Delgado says trees can go a long way by providing shade and a cooling effect. Trees and shrubs can be strategically planted on the south and west sides of a home.

“Desert-adapted trees use less water than a non-desert adapted one,” he adds. Another benefit of going with more native plants is that they can attract desert wildlife to your yard!

Reducing lawn areas and designing water catchment areas to create “rain gardens” are also good ideas.

Saving Water Indoors Indoors, keep an ear out for running water or drips when it’s quiet. Delgado says that toilets are usually the top water user inside, followed closely by showers and bathtubs.

For toilets, technology has really come a long way. Some low-water use toilets give you an option to flush your liquid waste (which flushes with less water) or a different button for flushing your solid waste. But older toilet tanks can be fitted with a toilet tank bag so less water is used per flush! Delgado says you can buy toilet dye to test to see if your tank is leaking into the bowl and wasting water. He recommends you test your toilets once a year. Often, the leak is due to an inexpensive flapper wearing out.

Making sure you run your dishwasher or washing machine only when they’re full also will save water on each load.

Parents can also keep an eye on their monthly water bill. Any big spikes could indicate there’s a leak somewhere around your home.

Check out a few more fun water-saving tips on this feature!

•

BEAR 40 YEARS

Page 13

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

Boomer’s Boredom-Busting Activity Page

We're Back!

Students all across Arizona are Back In School-and ready to shine!

Field Trip Fun! Everybody loves a school field trip.

See if you can unscramble Boomer’s favorite field trip destinations.

ck, and I’ll It’s great to be ba

ssroom!

see you in the cla

1. __ __ __ __ __ __ __ 2. __ __ __

Pizza Is Boomer’s Favorite Food!

What fraction of the pizza does each served slice represent?

__ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __

3. __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __

4. __ __ __ __ __ __

__ __ __ __ __ __ __

NICECES RAIF TAR SEUMEM SUMIC HOWS TEPORY DEARING

5. __ __ __ __

MARF

6. __ __ __ __ __ __ __

REATHTE

Answers: SCIENCE FAIR • ART MUSEUM • MUSIC SHOW • POETRY READING • FARM • THEATER

14

ANSWER

ANSWER

Help Boomer Find His Way to School!

Start Here

ANSWER

ANSWER

Don't Be Late!

Boomer woke up in a panic because he dreamed he had missed the school bus. Then, he remembed that he walks to school!

How do YOU get to school?

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

August 2021 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

15

16

BEAR 40 YEARS •

August 2021

&

www.bearessentialnews.com

Field Trips Family Outings For unforgettable fun and learning, few things are as fabulous as a field trip! Here are Bear Essential’s 2021–22 Guides for Field Trips and Family Destinations!

Last school year was very different. It is unlikely that you went on a field trip unless it was a virtual one. The pandemic changed the way many things are done, and some of the changes are here to stay, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

Many places are open again, but may have a different look and a new way of doing things. When your class takes a field trip this year, there will likely be smaller groups, no mixing amongst groups, new hand-washing stations, reserved times and mask requirements.

Hanna Schehr, the field trips manager at Act One, says the pandemic created a need to “identify a safer, more hygienic” way to do field trips. “In so many ways COVID was life changing,” she says, and that includes the way that arts organizations engage with the public. Act One makes arts experiences accessible to thousands of students in Arizona each year through field trips for K-12 students from Title I schools.

During the pandemic, museums closed and performances were canceled, so many companies and destinations found ways to go into people’s homes when people could not go to them. Webcams, virtual field trips, access to taped performances and webinars became the norm. Although many places are open again and performances are planned, some of the lessons learned during the lockdown will continue.

Schehr says arts organizations spent the time during closures working to better communicate with each other and with teachers. “I see this big shift,

whether it’s in person or VR,” Schehr says of Act One’s programming going forward. “It’s going to be a lot more in depth and connect with teachers and what they’re doing in the classroom.”

Act One Arts Immersion will take a dynamic program to schools this year.

Freedom in Expression looks at the Mexican mural movement and how it shaped art in America. It includes a mariachi performance, too, and will be more accessible and inclusive, says Schehr. The Arts Immersion program will arrive at schools with VR headsets and its own WIFI to run this engaging, educational experience.

Freedom in Expression will have English and Spanish captioning (and for students who need them, tablets with the ability to control volume and screen brightness) making the experience more inclusive for students with different learning styles, adds Schehr.

Act One will offer 88 trips at 21 venues in Phoenix and Tucson this school year. Teachers can register starting Sept. 1. Act One’s virtual reality Arts Immersion program will begin registration on Nov.1. For more information, visit www.act1az.org.

Parents, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to gain a wealth of culture!

Many museums have free or discounted admission days each month. Some participate in the Museums for All program, which offers free or reduced admission to those who receive food assistance (SNAP or WIC). In the Valley, the Arizona Science Center and the i.d.e.a. Museum participate in Museums for All. In Tucson, the Children’s Museum Tucson, Children’s Museum Oro Valley, the Mini Time Machine Museum of Miniatures and the Arizona State Museum participate.

Act One teams with libraries and cultural organizations to offer the Culture Pass program to students and families.

Libraries in Phoenix and Tucson (and soon Flagstaff) allow you to “check out” a pass for admission for two to select museums and outdoor spaces like parks and national monuments.

Check out Boomer Bear’s 2021–22 Field Trips guide in this issue. The guide lists places that are fun, entertaining and educational for classrooms and families. The Field Trips Guide is available online at bearessentialnews.com throughout the year!

Field Trips & Family Destinations 2021–2022

Fun Classroom and Family Outings Throughout Arizona—All Year Long!

2022 ARIZONA SCITECH FESTIVAL (602) 343-8324 info@scitechinstitute.org scitechinstitute.org

The Arizona SciTech Festival is a multiweek, colorful showcase of more than 1,000 science, engineering, technology (STEM) and innovation events in over 50 Arizona cities featuring exhibits, hands-on activities, colorful shows, tours and discussions. Dates coming soon!

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS BALLPARK TOURS Chase Field 401 E. Jefferson St. • Phoenix 602-514-8400 Dbacks.com

The Arizona Diamondbacks are the Major League Baseball team in Arizona. Since its inception as an expansion franchise in 1998, the team has won a world championship (2001) and made six postseason appearances. The club has played in front of 32 million fans at Chase Field, which features a signa-

ture swimming pool, retractable roof and a kids play area called the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Sandlot. For more information about the D-backs, or to purchase game tickets, visit dbacks.com

ASU EARTH & SPACE EXPLORATION DAY

781 E. Terrace Rd. ASU Tempe Campus ISTB 4 Building Field Trips/Family Destinations Cost: Free www.sese.asu.edu/community-engagement/

Check out ALL our listings online! events

Earth and Space Exploration Day is a free annual event hosted by the School of Earth and Space Exploration. This event includes science related activities for students age five and up, families, educators, and anyone interested in Earth and space. The event includes talks with scientists, interactive exhibits, 3D planetarium shows, and student science exhibits. Check our website in Fall 2021 for event details.

MORE FIELD TRIPS, next page

August 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS & YOUNG REPORTER PROGRAM 2525 E. Broadway, Suite 102. • Tucson, 85716 792-9930 Grades: 3–8 From Bear Essential Educational Services info@bearessentialnews.com www.bearessentialnews.com

Common Core Worksheets: Fresh standards-based fun sheets for classrooms to use in conjunction with the current issue of Bear Essential News.

Free Young Reporters Program: Students in grades 3–8 develop as young writers by writing news stories for Bear Essential News.

Young Reporters can attend monthly Zoom meetings and interview important people from our community.

Free Presentations: Five dynamic topics are available from a Bear editor.

BOOKMANS ENTERTAINMENT EXCHANGE East • 6230 E. Speedway • 748-9555 Northwest • 3733 W. Ina Rd. • 579-0303 Midtown • 3330 E. Speedway • 325-5767 bookmans.com

Project:Educate. Educators receive a 20% discount on all purchases. To receive your Project: Educate card, you need to sign up online at www.bookmans.com. You will receive a confirmation email, which you need to bring to your nearest Bookmans location, along with a valid ID and proof of educator status.

Kids Club: From birth to age 12 kids receive

a 10% discount and a $10 gift certificate on their birthday.

1317: Kids 13-17 receive a 15% discount and a $15 gift certificate on their birthday.

Visit Bookmans.com and click on the JOIN tab to sign up.

downloadable lesson plans for K–3, 4–6, middle and high school students that are standards-based. Lesson plans supported by mixed media tools like videos, posters and activity books! Visit www.cap-az.com/ education or call 623-869-2135 for more information.

BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA

2250 E. Broadway • Tucson 520-750-0385 Mon.–Fri. (Year-round) • 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Catalinacouncil.org

Register now! The Catalina Council provides youth with programs and activities that allow them to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards.

The Scouting experience is divided into programs according to age and activities.

Cub Scouts: Grades: K–5 Scouts, BSA: Grades:6–12 Venturing: 14–20 years old Sea Scouting: 14–20 years old See our ad on page 9.

17

Field Trips/Family Destinations education@childrensmuseumtucson.org childrensmuseumtucson.org A visit to Children’s Museum Tucson inspires discovery, creativity and learning.

Our Museum exhibits and programs are content rich, aligned with Arizona Academic Standards and ignite imagination and curiosity!

And the best part - Adventure Learning Field Trips are simple to plan, economical and fun! $6 per child. Grades: K-6. See our ad on page 19.

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

3111 W. Chandler Blvd. • Chandler Field Trips/Family Destination 602-581-5370 chandlerexperience@ crayolaexperience.com www.crayolaexperience.com

CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT

Classroom Speakers Educational Sponsorships Free Teacher Resource/Curriculum Available 623-869-2135 www.CentralArizonaProject.com CAP offers an Arizona-specific water education program including free

BEAR 40 YEARS

Image: shutterstock.com

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM TUCSON

200 S. 6th Ave. • Tucson 520-792-9985 press option 5

Discover the magic of color at Crayola Experience! Crayola Experience Chandler is bursting with 18 hands-on activities, perfect for a full day of creative fun.

Name your own crayon, star in a coloring page, bring your digital art to life AND MORE! Field trips start at $9.99 per person. PLUS - teachers get a free annual pass with valid ID (see site for details).

MORE FIELD TRIPS, page 18 ➧

18

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

Boomer’s

Fabulously Fun Field Trips FLANDRAU SCIENCE CENTER AND PLANETARIUM 1601 E. University • Tucson Field Trips/Family Destinations 520-621-4516

flandrau@email.arizona.edu

flandrau.org

Flandrau gives your class a chance to explore the marvels of our universe—from the depths of the ocean to the farthest reaches of space, and everything in between! Located on the mall of The University of Arizona campus, Flandrau offers hands-on exhibits to ignite your curiosity. Plus, you’ll have the option to see an amazing full-dome show in the planetarium theater. You’ll feel like you’re

flying through space as you launch from the earth and visit planets, moons, stars and asteroids. On our two exhibit floors, your students will learn more about what lurks in our oceans and what crawls under our feet in our shark and bug exhibits. Flandrau’s shows and experiences are designed to connect with school groups and are geared to Arizona State Science Standards. Visit our website for more info. Cost: $4-$10 child based on program. Grades: PreK-12.

GIRL SCOUTS OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA

4300 E. Broadway • Tucson 520-327-2288 customercare@girlscoutssoaz.org

Plan Now for a

approved

by TUSD

Super Recess with a

at

UNLIMITED Miniature Golf & Laser Tag Plus choose two ride tickets for: Bumper Boats or Go-Karts

16

25

$

!

WOW

Plus Tax per person*

(Retail Value $150.00+)

*Available Monday thru Friday, any 3 hour block of time before 5 p.m.

30 person minimum & reservations required

www.golfnstuff.com 6503 E. Tanque Verde Rd. • Tucson, AZ

(with the purchase of another at the regular price) 36 Holes of the World’s Finest Miniature Golf • Arcade • Skee-ball Wet n’ Wild Bumper Boats • Cool Go Karts • Batting Cages • Laser Tag • Group Rates

6503 E. TANQUE VERDE RD. • 885-3569

Expires 9/30/21

Call (520) 296-2366 ext. 3 for reservations!

FREE Golf Pass!!

www.girlscoutsaz.org Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. In Girl Scouts, girls have fun and adventures in an all-girl environment where they earn badges, go camping, explore STEM, become leaders and work on community service projects.

GOLDFIELD GHOST TOWN/ SUPERSTITION SCENIC RAILROAD

4650 N. Mammoth Mine Rd. • Apache Junction Field Trip • 480-983-0333 Open daily • 10 a.m.–5 p.m. www.goldfieldghosttown.com

Experience Arizona history! Spend a fun-filled day rich in history. Tour an underground mine, ride the train, view reptiles and insects of the Sonoran Desert, pan for real gold and check out the Mystery Shack attraction. Educational fun!

FIELD TRIP! Enjoy 3 Hours of

Image: shutterstock.com

continued from page 17

GOLF N’ STUFF

6503 E. Tanque Verde • Tucson Field Trip • 296-2366 x3 * Sarah Year-round (Mon. - Fri) gnssales@gmail.com www.golfnstuff.com Enjoy our two lush miniature golf courses in the fresh air with sparkling ponds, or make a splash on our bumper boats, and speed through our go kart track. Maybe even win a game of Laser Tag! Now booking for 20212022 school year for as little as $8.00 per student. Call today and secure your next trip!

See our ad on page 18.

HUMANE SOCIETY OF SOUTHERN ARIZONA 635 W. Roger Rd. • Tucson 327-6088 Ages: 6–11 afaulk@hssaz.org www.hssaz.org/kids

August 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

HUMANE SOCIETY

CONTINUED The Humane Society of Southern Arizona children’s programs will give your child a new perspective on caring for animals, preventing animal cruelty, understanding animal behavior, and more. We use a variety of activities that stress an appreciation of our environment and preservation of our natural world; classroom activities, creative and artistic exercises, hands-on animal care, great games, and character building lessons.

During the school year we offer in-school education, camps during school breaks, reading to shelter pets, Hand in Paw Kid’s Club events including Humane Heroes, and birthday parties.

MINI TIME MACHINE MUSEUM OF MINIATURES

4455 E. Camp Lowell Dr. • Tucson 520-881-0606 ext. 114 Field Trips/Family Destinations School Tour Rate: $3/student with advanced booking. Grants available. www.theminitimemachine.org/school-tours michaelm@theminitimemachine.org A visit to The Mini Museum inspires a desire to explore mathematical concepts, leap into literature and art, investigate history and experience life in another time or culture. Tours and outreach presentations are developed to support objectives in the Arizona Common Core standards.

Schools can request free virtual or in-person classroom outreach presentations or apply for funding for field trip admission and transportation. Program details are on the website.

PRESIDIO SAN AGUSTIN DEL TUCSON MUSEUM

ROCK SOLID CLIMBING AND FITNESS

Looking for new field trip ideas? The Presidio Museum has educational field trips that supports Common Core curriculum for grades 3-4, but are open to all ages.

Students will learn about the life of a Presidio child including chores they had to complete and games they played. Other activities include tinsmithing, blacksmithing, calligraphy and the life of a Presidio Soldier.

Rock Solid Climbing is about making fitness fun for everyone. Whether you are an expert or scaling your first wall, Rock Solid Climbing is here for you. We have climbs for every ability level and our coaches are eager to help get you started.

196 N. Court Ave. • Tucson 622-0594 info@presidio.com tucsonpresidio.com/education-outreach/

ROOSTER COGBURN

I-10 at exit #219 • Picacho Peak 17999 E. Peak Lane 520-237-5887 groups@roostercogburn.com www.roostercogburn.com One of a kind school field trips for an open air-hands-on experience! We offer a fun, interactive animal feeding experience! Field trips are AZ State Standards based with STEM curriculum as well as reading and social studies. Materials will be available for teachers to use in their classrooms. We also offer a large picnic area perfect for lunch as well as a FREE Shooting Gallery token with every admission. Come and visit our many animals including: Ostriches, Goats, Donkeys, Rainbow Lorikeets, Deer, Diving Ducks, Parakeets, Bunnies, Chickens, STINGRAYS and more! Contact Julie for pricing and booking information.

3949 W. Costco Dr. #151 • Tucson 222-6228 info@rocksolidclimbing.com rocksolidclimbing.com

The Museum offers a variety of programs for students to learn about art, history and culture. Whether it is a docent-led tour

19

complete with hands-on art project or a self-guided tour of a special exhibition and a selection of the permanent collection, students will have the opportunity to explore one of Tucson’s treasures. Cost: $2–$6.

Grades: K–12.

MORE FIELD TRIPS, page 20 ➧

TUCSON MUSEUM OF ART

140 N. Main Ave. • Tucson Field Trips • 624-2333 x7121 Tue.–Fri. • Dates throughout school year education@TucsonMuseumofArt.org tucsonmuseumofart.org/k-12-schoolseducators/

BEAR 40 YEARS

Check out ALL our listings online!

20

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

The Darndest Place You’ll Ever Visit.

Rooster Cogburn

Ostrich Ranch I-10 at exit #219, between Phoenix & Tucson

NOrW ing Offe

Boomer’s

Fabulously Fun Field Trips continued from page 19

TUCSON REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN SHOW & SALE

Tucson Expo Center • Tucson 3750 E. Irvington Road Field Trips • 520-405-7020 • Oct. 2–3, 2021 Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. tucsonreptileshow.com

School

FIELD TRIPS

for an Open Air–Hands On Experience!

• AZ State Standards Based • STEM curriculum • Social Studies and Reading Contact Julie for info on booking groups@roostercogburn.com

520-237-5887

60,000 square feet of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Petting zoo with tortoises, alligators, snakes and other reptiles. Captive bred reptiles for sale.

Cost: Adults: $10; Ages 6–12: $5 Ages 5 and under: Free. Masks Required.

TUCSON RODEO PARADE MUSEUM 4823 S. 6th Ave. • Tucson 294-1280 trpc@msn.com tucsonrodeoparade.com

The Tucson Rodeo Parade Museum includes four buildings filled with historic wagons and artifacts. On the site of the first municipal airport in the United States, one can discover where many of the terms used today originated. A large train exhibit represents Tucson of 1880, when the first train arrived in Tucson. See Tucson’s first

fire wagon, Tucson’s jail wagon, stage coaches and the famous Maximillian coach!

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM

16501 W. Northern Ave. • Litchfield Park Field Trips • 623-935-WILD (9453) Open 365 days a year Field trips Mon.–Fri. www.wildlifeworld.com

Your field trip will complement any biology curriculum at any grade level. Students can feed Lory parrots, learn about animal ambassadors and see some display natural behaviors during a Wildlife Encounter Show.

Meet baby animals in our children’s play area and petting zoo! Cost: $8/student, $15/ adult, one adult admission free with every 10 paid students (10 student min.). We accept cash, check or school purchase order. Rates subject to change.

Have a Great Field Trip!

Looking for New Field Trip Ideas and Family Fun? Come See Us At

The Presidio Museum!

Morning Muster Field Trips

History in the Field Workshops

Supports Common Core for 3rd & 4th Grade Available to Schools & Private Groups of 8+ Open to All Ages

Feed the Critters!

• Ostriches • Goats • Donkeys • Rainbow Lorikeets

• Deer • Diving Ducks • Stingrays and more

Activities May Include:

17599 E. Peak Lane, Picacho, AZ

520-466-3658

Ideal for Ages 8-9

• Children’s chores of early Tucson settlers • Tinsmithing • Life of a Presidio Soldier & More!

Open to All Ages

Themes Include:

• How Did They Make That? – Oct. 4 & 18 • Early People – Nov. 15 & 22 • Archaeology – Dec. 6 & 20

For hours of operation and more info, visit us online

roostercogburn.com

Open to the Public

See tucsonpresidio.com/ education-outreach for more information and pricing

196 N. Court Ave.

(520) 622-0594

See the online calendar at tucsonpresidio.com for more information and pricing

For more info, visit TucsonPresidio.com

August 2021 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

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More Storyteller

60,000 Square Feet of Lizards, Snakes, Frogs, Tortoises, Alligators & So Much More!

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Come to the

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festivals and pow-wows. Lindsey is working on two novels, a mystery taking place in Japan in the late 1970s, and one based on his experience in Native American Country. He produced a CD of his stories called “Stealing Horses.”

When Lindsey was in Florida, his health started to deteriorate due to a chronic illness. When his illness got worse and Lindsey was ready to lose hope, he found that a friend had an alternative healing clinic. While recovering, Lindsey would sit resting at home, not able to read or focus, but have dreams and visions. These made him recall the stories told by his grandmother.

Lindsey cannot tell his story outlines beforehand, because the guidance can come to him anytime. This guidance tells him how many stories, the story topic, etc. Lindsey explains that Native American stories, the majority of stories he tells, aren’t like Aesop’s fables. Aesop’s tales have direct morals. Lindsey’s stories are “to teach indirectly.” Lindsey says that he makes observations from his audiences. Then his story is steered by one of these three things or a combination: entertainment, inspiration, and guidance.

More Jr Lifeguard

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we did passive (unconscious) rescues. It seemed easy but it was a little bit of a challenge doing the distress victim.

Some other things we do are: practicing our “lifeguard voice,” remembering the Lifeguard Code of Conduct, practicing our whistles, and holding a diving brick while treading in water. Next week we have our lifeguard test which includes: 300m swim, diving and holding the brick while swimming 50 feet, and a test to show how much we learned.

If you are 11–15, are a good swimmer, and like to help people, the Jr. Lifeguarding program is for you! Visit webcms.pima.gov for more information.

Now offering virtual and in-person visitation

BEAR 40 YEARS

Purchase reptiles, cages, supplies, art & jewelry— All at Great Prices!

Tucson Reptile & Amphibian Show and Sale October 2nd & 3rd, 2021 Sat.: 9:30 to 5:00 • Sun.: 10:00 to 4:00

Do NOT bring your ow n animals !

• Displays of exotic and native reptiles • Door prizes every 30 minutes • Meet breeders & reptile enthusiasts from around the world

Adults: $10.00 6–12: $5.00 5 & under: Free

Tucson Expo Center, 3750 E. Irvington (between Palo Verde & Alvernon) Map on Web site

For more information go to www.tucsonreptileshow.com E-mail: Serpensauria@comcast.net

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www.bearessentialnews.com

August 2021

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More Plane Travel

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Did you know that your shoes need to go through an X-ray machine?

Airplanes are one of the dirtiest places in the world! Think about the many people who are touching the tray table, the armrests, etc. So it’s definitely a good idea to bring a small package of cleaning wipes with you so that you can wipe down the areas around you.

Some flights are longer than others, depending on where you are traveling to. We have to take two separate airplanes just to get from Tucson to Montana. So bring lots of fun things to do while on the airplane, as well as when you are waiting for your connecting flight. Some ideas include coloring books, sketchbooks and colored pencils, books to read, a deck of cards, etc.

I can’t wait to visit Montana (a state I’ve never been to) and even more exciting for me is to travel on an airplane!

SciTech—At the Airport Crossword

Key

Activity on page 23

ACROSS 3: Domestic 6: Flight-Number 8: International 9: Baggage 11: Gate

13: Ticket 14: Dollies 15: Delay 17: Customs 19: Terminal 20: Departure

DOWN 1: Passport 2: Visa 4: Luggage-claim 5: Window-seat 6: Flight 7: Declaration

9: Boarding-pass 10: Check-in 12: Aisle-seat 16: Reservation 18: Carry-on 23: Luggage

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

August 2021 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

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August 2021

This School Year Will A Be Great One— and Don’t Forget Your A, B, C & D’s!

– be Active for 60 minutes every day

– Be friendly

Images: shutterstock.com

– Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Snacks

“You have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes, you can steer yourself in any direction you choose” Dr. Seuss

Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Snacks Ingredients • 1 tube Pillsbury pizza crust • 40 pepperoni slices • 10 mozzarella cheese sticks • 2 tbsp butter • 1/2 tsp garlic powder • 1/2 tsp dried parsley Optional: marinara sauce for dipping

For the complete Cheesy Pepperoni Pizza Snacks recipe directions, scan the QR code and enjoy!

www.arizonamilk.org

– Vitamin D in milk helps promote the absorption of calcium and enhances bone mineralization