Bear Essential News January 2020, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

January 2020 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

essential news

SST TE EM M

IIss IIn n!!

®

12 Page Pull-Out Section!

In This Picture: find a magnet, a New Year’s hat, a laboratory beaker, the initials MLK, a power cord, a wrench, a piece of confetti, STEM, a crown and 2020.

FEATURE

NEWS

Arizona S ciTech

President Impeached!

A STEM festival for families pages 7 & 18

Spotlight on Australian fires News Highlights page 5

NEWS

Ever Eaten a Bug?

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 6, 22 & 23

FAMILIES

ACTIVITY

S afety First!

S cavenger Hunt

Valley Metro travel tips Page 24

An animal traits game Page 19

2

BEAR 40 YEARS •

January 2020

www.bearessentialnews.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

January 2020 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

3

4

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

January 2020

Coming Next Month!

Healthy Holidays & Happy 2020!

A 12-Page Program for the Sustainability Solutions Festival Exciting events throughout the month of February

CHECK

-UP!

EXAM, X-RAYS & CLEANING

$35

(for patients without insurance)

BRACES $

99 a month

www.KidzConnextion.com • 480-725-8413 • Text or Call 524 E. Baseline Rd. South Phoenix

2046 N. 24th St. Central Phoenix

2533 N. 75th Ave. West Phoenix

My 2020 New Year’s Resolution I, ________________________ , resolve to:

Let’s create a better future!

Check Us Out Online!

BearEssentialNews.com And, Happy 2020!

(Sign your name here)

Brush Regularly to remove plaque and to control tartar Floss Daily to keep gums & roots healthy Schedule Regular Dental Visits to keep my smile healthy

Pop Quiz!

Kids—

Can you answer the following questions? The answers can be found in your 2020 Resolution!

1. Flossing daily helps keep _________ &

Great Job!

______ healthy.

2. Brushing helps to control _______ & ________ .

3. What can you do to keep on smiling? __________ .

www.KidzConnextion.com

Our son does not have a diagnosis, but we wanted to help him with balance and coordination. Sensory Learning and Interactive Metronome gave him more than that. He has better eye contact and interacts more effectively with his peers.

Everyone has commented on how well he is also playing basketball and performing at gymnastics.

He got just the boost he needed! *Age 10 – Coordination/ ing Processing & Strength Train

• Autism • ADHD/ADD • Birth Trauma • Behavioral Problems • Developmental Delays • Acquired Brain Injury • Learning Disabilities • Sensory Processing Disorder SIRRI offers the Sensory Learning Progam, an innovative, drug-free, multisensory approach to developmental learning that works to improve perception,understanding and the ability to learn.

PEAK PERFORMANCE

4515 S. McClintock Drive, Suite 208 Tempe, AZ 85282

Call (480) 777-7075 for Assessment or FREE Consultation • SIRRIAZ.com

January 2020 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

B

News Highlights White House Photo/w ikim

By Tia Dufour; Official

President Donald J. Trump was impeached on Dec. 18, 2019.

The impeachment was a major event because President Trump is the third president in our country’s history to be impeached. The first was Andrew Johnson in 1868, and the second was Bill Clinton in 1998.

For President Trump, the impeachment process started with an anonymous complaint filed in August 2019. It ALLEGED that Trump tried to get the president of Ukraine to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son for alleged wrongdoing. Biden is trying to become the Democratic nominee for the next presidential election. If Biden wins the nomination, he will be running against Trump later this year.

On Sept. 24, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, announced an impeachment inquiry and said that asking a foreign power to investigate an opponent shows that the president had betrayed his oath of office and our country’s security.

President Trump has denied that he did anything wrong.

On Dec. 18, the House of Representatives approved the articles of impeachment against President Trump. This means that the House of Representatives found enough evidence for a case against Trump to go forward. The next step is for the House of Representatives to send the articles to the Senate for a trial, but

Wildfires in Australia edia.org

President Impeached!

they have not yet taken that step.

Once the Senate receives the articles of impeachment, they would hold a trial. During an impeachment trial, House members argue the case against the president, and the Senate acts as the jury. The trial is overseen by the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

In President Trump’s case, many people expect that the Senate would dismiss the case against Trump because the majority of Senators are Republicans, which is President Trump’s party as well. However, if the president were to be found guilty, the Senate would then have the power to remove him from office.

Both former presidents who were impeached, Johnson and Clinton, were found not guilty by the Senate and were not removed from office.

Will You Spread Kindness & Read More in 2020?

He also wants to learn to speak more fluently in Spanish this year.

At home, he plans to be nicer to his parents and “don’t argue as much.” He’d also like to help with the laundry more, something he doesn’t usually do!

Rori has a more ATHLETIC resolution. “I’m going to join Girls on the Run (an EMPOWERMENT running program), and we’re going to run a 5K,” she says.

“And my goal is to get down to running a 25-minute 5K.” To reach her goal, she plans to practice running, cross train and to eat healthy.

For 2020 “I’m going to work on being kind to people and not being mean to anyone,” Rori says. At school “I want to make sure that everyone feels good and no one feels left out or anything.”

She also is looking forward to going up to Flagstaff for a big field trip this year. “And since we’re going to be studying space, we’re going to get to see Meteor Crater, too!”

Image: shutterstock.com

The New Year seems to be off to a fine start for at least some kids!

Sixth-grader Aiden Molony spent New Year’s Day with his family, helping his grandmother with her place.

“I went to my grandma’s and helped her clean up her house,” the homeschooler says.

On New Year’s Eve, fifth-grader Rori Divijak returned to her old gymnastics place to ring in 2020. “I went to a party at the place where we used to do gymnastics, and we (the gymnasts) stayed all night there!”

Did you and your friends make any New Year’s resolutions?

Maybe it’s to not fight as much with your brother or sister. Maybe you made a resolution to earn better grades or help take care of the family dog or cat more.

Aiden’s resolution is to read more books this year.

He especially likes Harry Potter and wants to start with “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,” the fifth book in the series.

BEAR 40 YEARS

Australia is battling one of its worst brushfire seasons in recent memory. There are more than 200 fires burning. The fires started in September and have been fueled by record-breaking temperatures and severe drought.

“Climate change is exacerbating every risk factor for more frequent and intense bushfires,” Dale Dominey-Howes, an expert on disaster risk at the University of Sydney, told Business Insider Australia. “Widespread drought conditions, higher than average temperatures—these are all made worse by climate change.”

The fires are burning mostly along stretches of the eastern and southern coast of Australia, where most of the population lives. There are different estimates about how much damage has been done so far, but since the fires started, they have burned between 12 and 15 million acres. This is Fact Box: · Australia has a population of 25 million people · It’s the sixth largest country in the world · Australia is the driest inhabited continent in the world

Timor Sea

Coral Sea

AUSTRALIA CANBERRA

Great Australian Bright Source: myfirewatch.landgate.wa.gov.au

significantly more than what burned in the Amazon rainforest last summer and fall.

Hundreds of thousands of people have been evacuated from their homes in the last few months. More than 1,500 homes have been destroyed in the fires. Six people are missing and 23 have been killed.

Additionally, one study estimated that nearly 500 million animals have died in the fires. Australia is home to 10 percent of the world’s biodiversity­—animal and plant varieties. Some of the most famous inhabitants include kangaroos, koalas, wombats, and dingos. Scientists are worried that some species and subspecies may be devastated and unable to recover.

“Wildfires have been a part of the Earth’s ecosystem since there was plant material to burn,” says Camille Stevens-Rumann, an ecologist at Colorado State University.

She told NBC News, “We’re all adapted to a certain amount of disturbance. I can get a certain number of colds per year and be OK, but if I’m sick for eight months in a row, that’s really going to wear on me. That’s the same thing with an ecosystem.”

5

6

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

January 2020

Get the Scoop!

Gilbert Officer Goes Over the Edge

by Reporter Brett Eymann Transitions Delta Center A Gilbert Police Officer took part in Over the Edge, a fundraiser for Special Olympics on Dec. 7, 2019. This event took place at Cityscape, the fourth tallest building in Phoenix.

By rappelling down a 500-foot-tall building, Dani Covey helped raise a total of $7,000 for Special Olympics Arizona. Covey is a public affairs officer with the Gilbert Police Department.

This fundraiser helps sponsor athletes of Special Olympics. Participants take part in this Special Olympics fundraiser every year.

Rappelling down a 500-foot building was scary, according to Covey, but with some encouragement from the Gilbert Police Department, she felt very brave.

When it comes to Special Olympics, fundraisers like Over the Edge make it possible for athletes to take part in many different events.

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

Disney Has New Streaming Service

by Reporter Parker Lott Apache Elementary

Gilbert Police Officer Dani Covey (center) is geared up to raise money for Special Olympics Arizona.

Tolleson Residents Show Their Pride

by Reporter Italia Romero Apodaca, Arizona Desert Elementary What do you do when 450 eager volunteers show up to take pride in their city? First you feed them and then assign them a job for the day and feed them again. Oh, and give them a T-shirt.

Randy Babchuk, Jr., Parks and Recreation Manager for the City of Tolleson, did just that.

Babchuk became part of the City of Tolleson’s Pride Day Event in 2010.

Babchuk says, “I was hired on as a Special Events Coordinator and Pride Day was an event that has been held for many years. The City of Tolleson Babchuk & Italia has had Pride Day going on 33 years now.”

The City of Tolleson hosts a Community Pride Day each October. Babchuk coordinates the event to make

sure it goes smoothly, seek and schedule volunteers, get donations for breakfast and lunch and ensure there are adequate supplies. Homeowners apply to have help such as home painting, landscaping and bulk trash removal. After they pass the application process, they even get to pick out the paint color for their house.

Volunteers also clean up alleyways and streets, do fence removal, spread rocks in easements, replace body panels on homes, stucco homes and make sure homes are safe by adding hand railings and grab bars.

“There is a combination of people who get these jobs done, but our number one way of these jobs getting done is 90% volunteers,” says Babchuk.

Volunteers from 10 years of age and older participate, according to Babchuk.

“The reason it’s important for this event is because without them, there would be no way we would be able to do the work for our residents. It also teaches and shows the volunteers how giving back to the community has a big impact on the residents and neighborhoods. It gives them a sense of pride and ownership in their community.

Adviser: Karen Golden

Disney’s new streaming service, Disney+ was released on Nov. 12. It has been a hit, gaining 10 million subscribers on the first day!

The service features Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic movies and shows. A lot of the content includes fan favorites like episodes 1–8 of the Star Wars saga, all 16 MARVEL movies, and even all 30 seasons of “The Simpsons” (recently bought by Disney). There are also new originals like “The Mandalorian,” “Lady and the Tramp” (live action), “The World According To Jeff Goldblum,” and many more enjoyable originals.

Although Disney+ has some very tough streaming service competitors—with Apple’s new streaming service apple tv+, Netflix and Nickelodeon partnering up against Disney+, and many more services—Disney+ is a great streaming service. In my opinion it is the best streaming service for me and the cheapest.

It is compatible with all smartphones, gaming consoles, computers, and TVs. Pricing is only $6.99 per month or $12.99 a month including HULU and ESPN+. It costs $79.99 for a yearly payment. Customers can get one year free with some Verizon plans. And there is much more content to come to this service.

Adviser: Tara Woodward MORE SCOOPS, page 22 ➧

REPORT FOR BEAR! Call toll free:

1-866-NEWS KID sponsors

A special insert in Bear Essential News

Hundreds of FREE events for adults and kids! • azscitech.com

2020 JANUARY - APRIL

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS #AZSCITECH

What is the Arizona SciTech Festival?

The Arizona SciTech Festival is Arizona’s BIGGEST celebration of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) held annually during the spring season. Over 800 organizations have partnered to showcase the science all around us with hundreds of events statewide! Join us on an exciting adventure to explore the science and technology occurring through arts, education, engineering and innovation – all in your backyard!

FOR EXCITING STEM EVENTS VISIT PARA MÁS INFORMACIÓN SOBRE EVENTOS EMOCIONANTES DE STEM VISITE

AZSCITECH.COM

Arizona school districts neither endorse nor sponsor the organizations or activities represented in this document.

The distribution of this material is provided as a community service.

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

A special insert in Bear Essential News

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

Hi STEM Friends!

I’m Nova, I love all things Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. My favorite subject is entomology, the study of bugs because that’s my favorite treat! I’m here to share some fun ways that you can make a mess, create something cool, and see things you’ve never seen before in your own community. Join me as we explore the wonders of the Arizona SciTech Festival, a celebration of all things STEM!

SPECIAL INVITATION Join us for the Festival Kickoff Event and celebrate the start of the season with an official ribbon cutting at Connect2STEM hosted by UofA College of Medicine and Cox!

SATURDAY, JANUARY 25TH 10:00-3:00 University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix (Phoenix Biomedical Campus 435 N 5th Street, Phoenix)

learn more at

phoenixmed.arizona.edu/connect2stem

2 » JANUARY - APRIL 2020 SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

Design, create and build using the Engineering Design Process.

Open your mind and experience STEM.

Science is Fun captivates children through STEMonstrations

Farm Science Day Saturday, February 22, 2020, 10A-2P Arid-Land Agricultural Research Center 21881 North Cardon Lane, Maricopa, Arizona Interactive Insect Zoo Biotechnology Natural Rubber Production Measuring Photosynthesis Irrigation Technology Robot Tractor – Ride Along World’s Largest Field Scanner Plant Your own Cotton Face Painting & Kid’s Crafts Cricket-Spitting Contest!

And Much, Much More!

FREE – Family Friendly Farm and Science Activities

tinyurl.com/USDA-Maricopa

H C R A E S E R Z A T I D Y A

T G O S I W G Y E J R B I I M

Z S T U U D W V Q S E V S R I

F H A E I R I D P L A E E U B

Q M L V P B G E W I T C A R K

B V L N X O C E E I M I S P E

S D I Y U I C N R P E T E R A

N S R D A T I S A Y N C J M A

I E B L D C R T O N T A P W N

H D I D I J I I D H H R L P Y

J S F D N E P I T W T P I L Q

T J E D N R Q U O I O E U I W

S M D T G T A C B Y O Q T G H

O L A C I D E M O I B N T S W

R O B O T I C S U N E U R O N

BIOMEDICAL

MEDICINE

PRACTICE

STETHOSCOPE

DEFIBRILLATOR

NEURON

RESEARCH

SURGERY

DISEASE

NUTRITION

ROBOTICS

TREATMENT

PATIENT

SPECIALIST

SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM JANUARY – APRIL 2020 « 3

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

JANUARY WEDNESDAY 1/22

5:00-8:00

Spotlight on STEM: Presented by Science is Fun and Cybersecurity Basha High School 5990 S Val Vista Dr, Chandler, AZ 85249

A special insert in Bear Essential News

SATURDAY 2/8

10:00-4:00

TUESDAY 2/25

1:00-5:00

Southwest Maker Fest

12:30-5:30

ASU Open Door @ Downtown Phoenix campus Arizona State University Downtown Phoenix Campus 411 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004 8:00-5:00

SATURDAY 1/25

2020 Arizona Science Bowl for High School

10:00-3:00

ASU-West Campus La Sala in the UCB 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306

Connect2STEM UofA College of Medicine - Phoenix 435 N 5th St, Phoenix, AZ 85004

FEBRUARY SATURDAY 2/1

1:00-5:00

ASU Open Door @ West campus Arizona State University - West Campus 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306 10:00-2:00

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

10:00-3:00

Chandler Science Spectacular

Downtown Mesa 150 W Pepper Pl, Mesa, AZ 85201 8:00-5:00

2020 Arizona Science Bowl for Middle School ASU-West Campus La Sala in the UCB 4701 W Thunderbird Rd, Glendale, AZ 85306 TIME TBD

Vail Pride Day Pima County Fairgrounds 11300 S Houghton Rd, Tucson, AZ 85747 9:00-11:00

I Love Science! Day

Downtown Chandler 178 E Commonwealth Ave Chandler, AZ 85225

Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N Macdonald, Mesa, AZ 85201

SUNDAY 2/9

SATURDAY-MONDAY 2/15-17

9:00-3:00

10:00-5:00

2020 SciTech Festival at the Buckeye Air Fair Buckeye Municipal Airport 3000 S Palo Verde Rd, Buckeye, AZ 85326

Sustainability Weekend Arizona Science Center 600 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85004 THURSDAY 2/20

Arizona Coyotes STEM Summit Gila River Arena 9400 W Maryland Ave, Glendale, AZ 85305 TUESDAY-THURSDAY 2/25-27

9:00-2:30

AZ Renaissance Festival Student Days Arizona Renaissance Festival Fairgrounds 12601 E, US-60, Gold Canyon, AZ 85118 THURSDAY 2/27

6:00-7:30

STEAM Extravaganza Beaver Creek School 4810 E Beaver Creek Rd, Rimrock, AZ 86335 5:00-7:00

Cortina’s 5th Annual STEAM Night Cortina Elementary School 19680 S 188th St, Queen Creek, AZ 85142 8:00-3:30

WEDNESDAY 2/12

5:00-8:00

5:00-6:30

STEMCon 9.0

Gateway Park 10100 N. El Mirage Rd El Mirage, AZ 85335

STEM Fair and Maker’s Expo

Canyon View High School 6024 N Perryville Rd, Waddell, AZ 85355

THURSDAY 2/6

Arizona College Prep - Erie Campus 1150 W Erie St, Chandler, AZ 85224

FRIDAY 2/21

SATURDAY/SUNDAY 2/29-3/1

6:00-8:00

10:00-4:00

El Mirage Public Safety Day

6:30-8:00

Greenfield Star Party C O Greenfield Elementary School 7009 S 10th St, Phoenix, AZ 85042 See what the City of Buckeye is doing in the fields of agri-tech and astronautics!

THURSDAY 2/13

7:30-2:00

2020 Key to Employment Symposium UofA Student Union Ballroom 1303 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719 SATURDAY 2/15

12:00-4:00

Conservation Science Night Phoenix Zoo 455 N Galvin Pkwy, Phoenix, AZ 85008 SATURDAY 2/22

1:00-5:00

ASU Open Door @ Tempe campus Arizona State University - Tempe Campus 301 E Orange St, Tempe, AZ 85281

2020 Tech Fest

10:00-3:00

Glendale Public Library Main Branch 5959 W Brown St, Glendale, AZ 85302

Hamilton High School 3700 S. Arizona Ave, Chandler, AZ 85248

10:00-2:00

Family SCIFest Children’s Museum Tucson 200 S 6th Ave, Tucson, AZ 85701

Chandler Innovation Fair (Including HISEF)

10:00-2:00

Farm Science Day US Arid-Land Agriculture Research Center 21881 Cardon Ln, Maricopa, AZ 85138

4 » JANUARY - APRIL 2020 SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM

Sahuarita’s Stemtacular Festival Sahuarita Middle School 350 W Sahuarita Rd, Sahuarita, AZ 85629

Tres Rios Nature Festival Base & Meridian Wildlife Area S Avondale Blvd, Tolleson, AZ 85353 SATURDAY 2/29

1:00-5:00

ASU Open Door @ Polytechnic campus Arizona State University - Polytechnic Campus 7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212 7:00A-8:00P

Gila Valley Health and STEAM Festival Eastern Arizona College 113, 615 N Stadium Ave, Thatcher, AZ 85552

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

A special insert in Bear Essential News

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

2020 Join us at ASU’s annual open house for an exciting behind-the-scenes look at the most innovative university in the nation!

ASU Open Door is an opportunity for visitors of all ages to participate in hands-on activities and explore laboratories, living collections, museums and innovative learning spaces.

To get your FREE tickets and more information visit opendoor.asu.edu.

Each of ASU’s campuses have a unique identity and we invite you to visit all locations!

West: Saturday, Feb. 1, 1–5 p.m.

Downtown Phoenix: Saturday, Feb. 8, 1–5 p.m.

Tempe: Saturday, Feb. 22, 1–5 p.m.

Polytechnic: Saturday, Feb. 29, 1–5 p.m.

@asuopendoor

SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM JANUARY – APRIL 2020 « 5

HIGHLIGHTS EVENT HIGHLIGHTS 2020 EVENT 2020

AZSCITECH.COM visit events listing a full For AZSCITECH.COM visit events ofof listing a full For

A special insert in Bear Essential News

PASSWORD PASSWORD GENERATOR GENERATOR Greatpasswords passwordsare arethe thekey keyto tostaying stayingsafe safeonline. online.AApassword password Great shouldcontain contain12 12or ormore morecharacters, characters,have haveaacombination combinationofof should uppercaseand andlowercase lowercaseletters, letters,numbers numbersand andspecial specialcharacters. characters. uppercase instructionsUse Usethe thefirst firstletter letterofofeach eachword, word,the thenumber numberand and instructions

specialcharacter characterto tocreate createyour yourvery veryown ownpassword. password. special

examplesentence sentence example

AtZovio, Zovio,we weare are_____________ _____________aa___________ ___________ At VERB ENDING ING VERB ENDING ININ ING

ADJECTIVE ADJECTIVE

pathto toenable enabletomorrow’s tomorrow’ssuccess successthat thatmeets meets path the______ ______ ________ ________where wherethey theyare, are,________. ________. the NUMBER NUMBER

CHANDLER SCIENCE SCIENCE CHANDLER SPECTACULAR SPECTACULAR event event

A.M. -- 33 P.M. P.M. 10 A.M. SATURDAY, FEB. FEB. 88 SATURDAY, The Chandler Chandler Science Science Spectacular Spectacular The showcases the the businesses, businesses,artists, artists, showcases students and and makers makers from fromits its students Community of of Innovation.

Innovation.This Thisfree free Community event offers offers unique unique opportunities opportunitiesfor for event attendees to to explore explore the thediscoveries discoveries attendees of science science engineered engineered in intheir theirown own of backyard. Chandler Chandler uses uses‘sneaky ‘sneakyscience’ science’ backyard. by entertaining entertaining the the whole wholefamily familywhile while by explaining how how science science isisimportant important explaining to daily daily life. life. Check Check out out interactive interactive to demonstrations and and hands-on hands-onactivities activities demonstrations

by Chandler’s Chandler’s technology technologycompanies companies by such as as Northrop Northrop Grumman Grummanand andIntel, Intel, such along with with the the next next generation generationof of along science from from ASU, ASU, UArizona UArizonaand andmore. more. science

PLACE PLACE

___________can canbe beaapositive positiveforce forcefor forchange, change, ___________ HOBBY HOBBY

creatingthe themost most________________ ________________ofofall: all: creating ADJECTIVE ADJECTIVE

ARIZONA SCITECH ARIZONA SCITECH

SIGNATURE SIGNATURE

ANIMAL ANIMAL

________________________________.At AtZovio, Zovio, ________________________________.

MIX1 PROPER 1 PROPERNOUN NOUN AND 1 SPECIAL CHARACTER !#$*?

MIX AND 1 SPECIAL CHARACTER !#$*?

using________ ________to tocreate createaa________ ________will willenable enable using FOOD FOOD

NOUN NOUN

each________ ________to tobe beininaaclass classofoftheir theirown. own. each JOB JOB

exampleresult result example

AtZovio, Zovio,we weare areslurping slurpinga acurvy curvypath pathtotoenable enable At tomorrow’ssuccess successthat thatmeets meetsthe the52 52whales, whales,where wherethey they tomorrow’s are, Denver.

Basketball can be a positive force for change, are, Denver. Basketball can be a positive force for change, creatingthe themost mostgrumpy grumpyofofall: all:#SuperMan. #SuperMan.AtAtZovio, Zovio, creating using pizza to create a spaceship will enable each scientist using pizza to create a spaceship will enable each scientist tobe beininaaclass classofoftheir theirown. own. to newpassword password sc52wDBg#Spss new : :sc52wDBg#Spss

SPONSORED BY: BY: SPONSORED

DOWNTOWN CHANDLER CHANDLER || 178 178E. E.Commonwealth CommonwealthAve. Ave. DOWNTOWN CHANDLERAZ.GOV/SCIENCE CHANDLERAZ.GOV/SCIENCE

originalsentence sentenceAt AtZovio, Zovio,we weare arecharting chartingananexciting exciting new original new pathtotoenable enabletomorrow’s tomorrow’ssuccess successthat thatmeets meetsthe the learner where path learner where theyare, are,on ontheir theirterms. terms.Technological Technologicaldisruption disruption can they can bebe aa positiveforce forcefor forchange, change,creating creatingthe themost mostcherished cherished individual positive individual rightofofall: all:opportunity. opportunity.AtAtZovio, Zovio,using usingtechnology technology create right toto create opportunitywill willenable enableeach eachperson persontotobe beinina aclass class their own. opportunity ofof their own.

6 »» JANUARY JANUARY -- APRIL APRIL 2020 2020 SEARCH SEARCHTHE THEFULL FULLEVENTS EVENTSCALENDAR CALENDARAT ATAZSCITECH.COM AZSCITECH.COM 6

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

A special insert in Bear Essential News

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

Libraries and the STEM Movement

A

Kelly Pearson YOUTH SERVICES MANAGER

Burton Barr Central Library 1221 N. Central Ave. Phoenix, AZ 85004

s a librarian, every day I have a conversation with a customer who is amazed at the broad range of services we have to offer. My message to them is always the same, libraries are about fair and equal access to information not just books. Libraries also provide a safe place for the community to interact with each other. I think people underestimate the need for a community hub. Think about your community. How many places are there for broad sections of the community to gather together? How many of them are free? It’s a pretty small list and in a lot of areas, a library is the only place on the list.

Virtual gatherings have their benefit, but humans rely a great deal on non-verbal cues in processing information. We need that interactive element, we need to physically be together. That’s why, to borrow a movie line, libraries and makerspaces go together like peas and carrots. The goal of both is to provide a collaborative space that encourages learning, exploring and sharing.

Libraries have always served as an out of school learning environment. Storytimes help to build literacy skills, crafts help develop motor skills, and computers offer students a way to finish their

homework. Makerspaces are a natural progression.

In our MACH1 Makerspace we teach coding, 3D modeling, sewing, and various sciences. We provide families with access to STEM interactives that they might not otherwise have. We provide a safe environment where ideas and thoughts flourish.

What do I mean by a safe environment? I’m talking about the freedom to fail. Failure teaches us to think more critically, to take risks, and to keep going. In the words of my grandfather, “It builds character.”

Schools are under pressure to teach to tests, which doesn’t give them a lot of wiggle room to play and fail. In every MACH1 program, there is an initial stumbling block in which the child fails and doesn’t know what to do. This leads to a conversation about what went wrong, how to fix it and that the world didn’t end because they failed.

This is an exciting time for libraries and makerspaces.

I think we have barely scratched the surface on how these two entities can combine and work together to serve the community. As a member of the community, you are a part of this conversation. Visit your libraries and makerspaces and see how you can be a part of them.

SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM JANUARY – APRIL 2020 « 7

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

MARCH WEDNESDAY 3/4

3:30-5:50

STEAM Fest Family Event Avondale Civic Center Library 11350 Civic Center Dr, Avondale, AZ 85323

A special insert in Bear Essential News

Northland Pioneer Center, Performing Arts Center Snowflake 1001 W Deuce of Clubs, Show Low, AZ 85901 10:00-2:00

Canyon Ridge STEM Festival Canyon Ridge School 17359 W Surprise Farms Loop N, Surprise, AZ 85388

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

This guide gives you dates and times for the events but go to azscitech.com to find out what to expect and how to get involved.

4:00-10:00

THURSDAY 3/5

5:00-8:00

PADT SciTech Open House PADT - Tempe 7755 S. Research Drive, Tempe, AZ 85284

Bear Essential’s Young Reporter Cookout Saguaro National Park West 2700 N. Kinney Rd. Tucson, AZ 85743 SATURDAY 3/14

5:00-10:00

9:00-3:00

STEAMtastic PVCC Black Mountain Campus 34250 N. 60 St, Scottsdale, AZ 85266

20th Annual Ancient Technology Day: Prehistoric & Historic

SATURDAY 3/7

Pueblo Grande Museum 4619 E Washington St, Phoenix, AZ 85034

10:00-1:00

Innovation Nation STEM Festival

Summer Academy Enroll your grade 1-12 student today

Give your students the opportunity of a lifetime!

Experience STEM in the Outdoors!

Engage your students through... Our residential Outdoor STEM

Centered Education Programs at one of our residential camps or Our Mobile STEM Discovery Lab.

Contact us!

Info@tontocreekcamp.org tontocreekcamp.com

outreach.engineering.asu.edu

8 » JANUARY - APRIL 2020 SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM

A special insert in Bear Essential News

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

SAT/SUN 3/14 – 15

SATURDAY 3/28

9:30-5:30

10:00-3:00

Science City at the Tucson Festival of Books

Arizona Parenting Magazine’s Camp and Summer Expo

University of Arizona Mall 1401 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85721 WEDNESDAY 3/18

4:30-7:30

Geeks Night Out Tempe Community Complex 3500 S. Rural Road Tempe, AZ 85282

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

OdySea in the Desert 9500 E Vía de Ventura, Scottsdale, AZ 85256 9:00-1:00

Spring Into QC Mansel Carter Oasis Park 19535 E Appleby Rd, Queen Creek, AZ 85142

SAT/SUN 3/21-22

TIME TBD

Luke Days 2020 Luke Air Force Base 14185 Falcon St, Luke AFB, AZ 85309

Take off on an adventure with STEM

Chill out at Science City at the Tucson Festival of Books

Can you identify the 5 images that make up the

SciTech Gecko?

SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM JANUARY – APRIL 2020 « 9

2020 EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

APRIL SATURDAY 4/4

10:00-4:00

Prescott Regional SciTech Festival 2020 Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Prescott 3700 Willow Creek Rd, Prescott, AZ 86301

A special insert in Bear Essential News

THURSDAY 4/30

3:00-5:00

Salpointe Catholic High School STEM Showcase

Love sports? Check out ways to improve your game through STEM.

Salpointe Catholic HS 1545 E Copper St, Tucson, AZ 85719

TUESDAY 4/28

5:00-7:00

AESD STEAM Showcase Sevilla Elementary School 3801 W Missouri Ave Phoenix, AZ 85019 WEDNESDAY 4/29

5:00-7:00

Sierra Verde STEAM Night 2020 Sierra Verde STEAM Academy 7241 W Rose Garden Ln, Glendale, AZ 85308

Meet Murphy, our SciTech Leopard Gecko

Each year thousands of students participate in Biosphere 2’s STEM-based field trips where they see our planet through the eyes of a scientist. Bring your class to experience the world’s largest living research center, Biosphere 2.

• Student driven scientific inquiry • Overnight opportunities available • Hands on, minds on activities • Behind the scenes access

Let us help you plan your next field trip— call 520.621.3960 or visit Biosphere2.org

Biosphere 2 in collaboration with

10 » JANUARY - APRIL 2020 SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM

For a full listing of events visit AZSCITECH.COM

Visit azscitech.com to find more events that are not listed in this program. Plus, you can search for events that have subjects you're interested in like arts or food science!

Seeing the universe

is no longer a shot in the dark.

Twinkle, twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are? Kids of all ages can find the answer to this question in Arizona. It’s the ideal destination for stargazing, thanks to the state’s good weather and sound stewardship, as well as the fact that its mountainous geography shields dark-sky oases from urban skyglow.

Arizona boasts ten (!) Dark Sky Parks, defined by the International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) as lands with “exceptional quality of starry nights and a nocturnal environment that’s specifically protected for its scientific, natural, educational, cultural heritage, and/or public enjoyment.”

Mount Graham International Observatory

Kitt Peak National Observatory

Mount Lemmon SkyCenter

For more information about dark skies, visit DarkSky.org. And check out the state’s highly acclaimed observatories:

Lowell Observatory - Giovale Open Deck Observatory, Flagstaff This public observing plaza features six advanced telescopes that offer an unparalleled viewing experience.

The most famous of these is Grand Canyon National Park, where remarkably beautiful night skies lend jaw-dropping credence to the Park Service’s reminder that “half the park is after dark.”

Mount Lemmon SkyCenter, Tucson Located high above the city, SkyCenter offers SkyNights Stargazing Program with two of the largest telescopes available to the public.

On a clear night, you can see Mercury, Mars, Jupiter and the Andromeda galaxy. The sky is awash in stars, double stars and star clusters.

Kitt Peak National Observatory, Tohono O’odham Nation Located near Tucson, the Observatory is home to one of the largest arrays of optical and radio telescopes in the world.

Arizona’s dark history — and bright future.

Mount Graham International Observatory, Safford Scientific researchers from around the world make use of the facilities at this research arm for the Department of Astronomy at the University of Arizona.

Arizona helped birth the dark-sky preservation movement when, in 2001, the IDA designated Flagstaff as the world’s very first Dark Sky Place for the city’s commitment to protecting its stargazing-friendly skies.

Since then, several other Arizona communities have earned Dark Sky status from the IDA — including Sedona, Big Park (aka the Village of Oak Creek), Camp Verde, Kaibab Paiute Tribal Land and Fountain Hills. Arizona is home to more certified Dark Sky Places than any other U.S. state. And no country outside the U.S. can rival its 16 dark-sky communities.

Arizona, long synonymous with sunshine and blue sky, now offers a visitor experience that extends well past sunset to the stars beyond. And its dark side “up above the world so high” is spectacular.

Fred Lawrence Whipple Observatory, Amado The largest field installation of the Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory has a Visitors Center featuring displays and exhibits on astronomy and astrophysics.

Flandrau’s Observatory, Tucson In the heart of the University of Arizona campus, discover a 16-inch telescope with free viewing of the stunning night sky on Thursday – Saturday evenings.

VisitArizona.com | AZCommerce.com

SEARCH THE FULL EVENTS CALENDAR AT AZSCITECH.COM JANUARY – APRIL 2020 « 11

A special insert in Bear Essential News

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS Presenting

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze Copper

Arizona Technology Council | PADT | iFly | Arizona Parenting | APS | Green Living | ON Semiconductor

Arizona State University | Phoenix Business Journal | Bear Essential News for Kids | idloom | Goodwill | MST Solutions | Fennemore Craig Attorneys | Footprint

University of Arizona | Arizona Science Center | Arizona Technology Council Foundation Arizona Board of Regents | Arizona Commerce Authority

Foundational Partners Arizona State University |

EMBRACE YOUR INNER NERD! Celebrate Science, Technology, Engineering, Math - and Medicine.

SATURDAY JAN. 25, 2020 10AM - 3PM FREE ADMISSION!

150+ Hands-On Activities for ALL Ages UNIVERSITY OF ARIZONA COLLEGE OF MEDICINE - PHOENIX Phoenix Biomedical Campus 435 N. 5th Street, Phoenix phoenixmed.arizona.edu/c2s

January 2020 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

BEAR 40 YEARS

19

Teachers! Reserve Your Spring Field Trips NOW!

Make Wildlife World part of your classroom experience! Discount pricing for your class and chaperones. Admission includes access to scheduled lory parrot feeding, wildlife encounters shows, children’s play area and petting zoo.

Call 623-935-9453 for rates, info and to schedule your visit.

School Onsite Outreach Program also available.

Aquarium

•

Zoo

•

Safari Park

•

Dragon World

•

Great Field Trips that will complement any biology curriculum at any grade level Below is a great activity for your classroom to enjoy when visiting the Wildlife World Zoo & Aquarium. Arizona’s largest animal collection is exhibited on over 80 acres. Use the lesson below for a great STEM experience. Students will choose one species during their visit at Wildlife World and explore the ecologicial aspects unique to their species.

Before the trip:

Students will need an understanding of ecological principles such as: • The concept of an ecosystem and the major ecosystems on Earth • Abiotic and Biotic factors and how they influence a species • Background information on human impacts on the environment • Knowledge of producers, consumers, and decomposers and how energy flows in an ecosystem in order to construct a food web

Find an Ecology Expert worksheet online for your students to complete.

Go online to http://www.wildlifeworld. com/teacher-resources/

During the trip:

Students will need to pick a species to study.

Students will need to use the signage as well as technology once back at the classroom to identify their species’ role in its ecosystem

Mining Experience

Scavenger Hunt Animals have different adaptation or ways that help them to survive.

Can you find an animal that fits the following description?

Use each animal only once.

1. An animal that has 2 legs.

2. An animal that has 4 legs.

3. An animal that doesn't have legs.

4. An animal that has flippers.

5. An animal that has fur.

7. An animal that has a soft, squishy body.

8. An animal with feathers.

9. An animal with scales.

Students should finish any research on their species necessary and share their findings.

Students may be asked to compare and contrast the different ecological requirements of several species.

n 8 acre additio rk. a P to our Safari us!

Come join

•

6. An animal that lives in water.

After the trip:

For more information: 623-935-WILD (9453) or visit us on facebook, Instagram or Twitter @zoowildlife, and wildlifeworld.com

Adventure Land

10. An animal that has a shell.

11. An animal with paws.

12. An animal with claws.

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is located at 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ (SE corner of State Route 303 and Northern Ave.) We’re open seven days a week, 365 days a year, including all holidays.

Zoo exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (last zoo admission is at 4:30 p.m.) Aquarium exhibits are open from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Daytime admission includes access to the zoo, aquarium and safari park.

e l i Sm

Wild

20

BEAR 40 YEARS •

January 2020

www.bearessentialnews.com

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

January 2020 •

BEAR 40 YEARS

21

Girl Scouts Use Cookie Proceeds to Plant Their Future Girl Scout Cookie season means much more than delicious treats. Girls learn valuable financial skills and gain self confidence when they become cookie entrepreneurs. Girls and troops can earn rewards and many use their cookie proceeds to fund troop activities, summer camps and service projects that they are passionate about doing.

One local troop partnered with the City of Phoenix to plant a tree. Troop 7387 used part of their 2019 cookie proceeds to buy and plant a tree in Royal Palm Park (with the help of park staff) in December. The new tree is a welcome part of the City of Phoenix‘s Tree and Shade Master Plan to combat urban heat. The girls earned special Tree Planting badges in addition to their Take Action badges with this environmentally focused service project.

Girl Scout Troop 7387 is a multi-level troop of Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors from North Central Phoenix. According to Troop leaders Ginger Sykes Torres and Andrea Odegard-Begay, the 12 girls in the troop have been focusing on civics, local government and learning to be active

Troop 7387 bought a tree and helped plant it.

and engaged citizens. In addition to their tree planting service project, the girls have visited Phoenix City Council chambers, decorated a float for the Veterans Day Parade, and have met with Federal Judge Diane Humetewa, the first Native American woman to serve as a federal judge in the United States.

Through these and other activities, the girls have learned about how government works and how they can play a larger role in their community.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program is the largest girl-led entrepreneurial program in the world. It allows girls to run their own business and make decisions about the money they earn through cookie sales.

The 2020 GSACPC Cookie Program begins Jan. 20 and ends March 1.

Some of the Girl Scouts in Troop 7387 with Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego

Join Girl Scouts today!

Visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/join, Text joinGS to 31996, email join@girlscoutsaz.org, or call 602-452-7040.

22

BEAR 40 YEARS •

B

www.bearessentialnews.com

January 2020

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 6

Would You Eat a Bug? Kids Try Entomophagy

by Reporter Roman Ballew, Fountain Hills Charter School Entomophagy is the technical term for eating edible, good, okay, excellent, crunchy, and delicious! insects. Some people may be really grossed out by the Eating insects is not a commonly accepted practice thought of eating insects, but insects are a common in the United States, but it is a just a cultural thing. It is form of protein in many countries, and, as my class different, but not wrong. Some of the countries where it found out, they can actually be quite is more common to eat insects include good.

Mexico, Thailand, Ghana, China, My class went on a field trip Brazil, and Japan. Some countries eat to Butterfly Wonderland. They insects as a means of survival, while had a vending machine with bags others include them as part of their of snacks, but not just regular STAPLE diet, and in some countries, snacks, they were snacks made insects are even considered a delicacy. with insects! There were ant and We learned that insects are a scorpion lollipops, dark chocolate sustainable form of protein and other crickets, sriracha cricket chips, nutrients. On the bag of cricket chips, spicy bugitos (toasted superworms), it showed that crickets need very little and BBQ larvets. Our teacher water and land to grow, so getting bought some of the snacks for us to your protein from them is better for the try. Several of my classmates and I planet. It only takes 1 gallon of water to were brave enough to try the insect grow one pound of crickets, compared snacks, which are unusual in the to 216 gallons of water to grow one American culture. pound of soy, and 2,000 gallons of Although a few of my classmates water for one pound of beef. Cricket didn’t like the snacks, several protein contains all nine essential Student with bug snacks thought that they were pretty amino acids. By weight, cricket protein good. When asked what they thought about the insect has more B12 than salmon and more iron than spinach. snacks, here is how my classmates responded: the If you want to challenge the cultural norm and eat ant lollipops were sweet and tasted like normal candy; something that is filled with protein and nutrients and the dark chocolate crickets tasted like Kit Kats; the is sustainably good for the planet, we recommend that LARVAE tasted like corn; the worms tasted like candy you give insects a try. corn. Other comments were that the insect snacks were Adviser: Lisa Ristuccia

Wright Flight Program Lets Students Soar!

by Reporter Rori L. Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8 My fifth grade Gifted Education in Marana (GEM) class and I participated in a very exciting program called Wright Flight.

In Wright Flight you study about things related to flight like the Wright Brothers—who are credited with inventing planes—and a lot about planes and how they evolved. There are nine weeks worth of lessons that you study in the Wright Flight curriculum. There are also lots of facts that you have to learn in order to pass tests to be able to fly an airplane.

After you are done learning the lessons you get the chance to fly a plane. You go to an airport (Marana or Tucson International) and they give you a test. You have to answer every question correctly in order to fly an airplane.

I got to participate this year and it was very exciting. I was very nervous and then once we were in the air, it was amazing. You and one other student do a preflight check and then board the plane with a pilot. You are able to pilot the plane with the support of your pilot for thirty minutes, and then you land and switch and the other student gets to fly for thirty minutes.

I think flying is something you will never forget, and I recommend that when you get to fifth grade you ask about the Wright Flight program.

Fostering a Pet Is Good for You & Others, too

by Reporter Ysrael Hernandez Arizona Virtual Academy Do you know what fostering a pet is?

It is when you take a pet to your home for a while, so later another family will love it forever.

Some of my friends foster cats. They have been fostering cats every fall to spring. Last year they fostered a pregnant cat. I got to meet the kittens when they were very young. They hadn’t opened their eyes yet. Some of the kittens are waiting to be adopted and some were adopted.

That inspired my sister, Zhanna, to use some of her chore money to foster a dog.

It was needing love and help. She had to foster-to-adopt because it needed an eye removed and it had a broken tail. But she adopted Bengi and will love him forever.

She fostered him from Pima Animal Care Center. PACC received a three-year grant from Maddie’s Fund to support a large foster program. You can foster pets like cats and dogs, but sometimes rabbits, too.

It is good for the pet because it gives a temporary home or a real home. It is good for PACC because it reduces crowding so other dogs or cats can come in, and it reduces food cost. It is good for the earth because cats will eat wildlife when they are loose, and dogs without homes can be dangerous. Plus, it is good for you because you will have someone to love, to be responsible for and to talk to.

TEACHERS!

Sign Up for Bear’s Monthly Worksheets.

It’s FREE and Easy.

Go online to: BearEssentialNews.com and click on the “Mail” icon at the top right corner.

EETS DECEMBER WORKSH ___

Name: ____________

Date: ____________

____

__________________

Name: ____________

edition the DecemBear just for you. Use l News is written t your winter break! here! Bear Essentia to keep reading & writing throughou r The holidays are activities. Remembe to complete these the story: the 5W’s & H of s & In the Spotlight to read, and find News Highlight story or In the Spotlight _________ Pick a News Highlights Where ________ ______ Who ________________ __________ When ________ _____________ What ________ ___ How ________________ ______ Why ________________ s! at Christmas Holiday Tradition , from Las Posadas Favorite Family : holiday traditions Main Feature— some treasured the following questions Boomer Bear highlights Read all about ’em and answer two Year. to you? Write down to the Chinese New celebrations is new 1. Which of these from the story. that you learned interesting facts

DECEMBER WORKSH EETS

__________________

____

VOCABULARY

Date: ____________

POWER WORD CROSSWORD! ORD Power Words appear capitalized and in This month’s Power bold face in this issue of Bear Essentia Words can be found Holiday Traditions l News. in News Highlights . If you need a little and the main feature help, the words highlighting are listed below alphabetically!

time

family does? tradition that your favorite holiday 2. What’s your most about it? or appreciate the What do you enjoy Healthy Farming keep people in a hef Turns to Organic, to grow food help ASU Sustainability—C gentle methods gardens that use How do farms and community healthy?

ers will be awarded!

Your Community—Winn ty—a friend, family member, Doing Good for communi g good for your Nominate Someone about the person who is doing somethin space below, write a paragraph or better. the Figure out a person at your school. In or area safer, healthier neighbor or someone making your school, community is to and how that person and contact info with your name paragraph along AZ 85716 5–15. Mail in your y #102 • Tucson Broadwa E. 2525 For students ages • Solutions Festival— News/ASU Contest the Sustainability Bear Essential Winners also be recognized at on Feb. 17, 2020. and nominator will Center nominee Dec. 31, 2019.

Science AZ Winning Day Event at the for the event! Deadline: Sustainability Family to the Science Center 4-Pack of tickets Family ____ a Receive ______________

Wishing You & Your F Family a Wond erful Winter Break !

_______

______________

______________

___________

______________

______________

______________

___________

______________

______________

______________

©2019 Bear Essential Educational Services.

Questions? Call Educators are welcome toll free (866) NEWS to copy these materials KID.

for use in the classroom. to copy these materials t_GR 3-4 Educators are welcome DEC 2019-Handou Educational Services. ©2019 Bear Essential (866) NEWS KID. toll free Questions? Call

for use in the classroom.

DEC 2019-Handou t_GR 3-4

___

January 2020 •

e-mail: boomer@bearessentialnews.com

Cirque du Soleil Show Has Jaw-Dropping Thrills

by Reporter Kamiko Espinoza Butterfield Elementary For my birthday last year, my mom took me to see Cirque du Soleil Corteo at the Tucson Convention Center. We had amazing floor seats. It was the perfect view of the entire stage. There were amazing acts that were dangerous, dramatic and jaw dropping. These are some of my favorite things I saw.

In one of the acts trapeze artists would hang upside down as they were tossed back and forth to each other on chandeliers that were spinning and going up and down. The girls weren’t attached to a rope or wire and there wasn’t a net underneath them.

There was a lady that was attached to a bunch of balloons where she would float over the audience. The audience would have to push her back into the air.

I got to help push her red, glittery shoes back towards the stage. She moved as gracefully as a swan.

There was another act that was cool. These men would throw women up in the air, the ladies would flip, then men on the other side would catch them.

They were also super high in the air on a platform. But they did have a net under them. It was crazy!

There was a man that was standing on a tall freestanding ladder. He was climbing up and down. Sometimes he would go to the very top and balance there without holding on to anything. I think this was an awesome experience.

If you get the chance to see a Cirque Du Soleil show, I highly recommend it.

You will not be disappointed.

Cirque du Soleil OVO will be at Talking Stick Resort Arena Feb. 20–23.

For more information about this insect-themed show or to purchase tickets, visit www.cirquedusoleil.com.

Try a Home Depot Kids Workshop

by Reporter Ellie L. Divijak, Dove Mountain CSTEM K–8

At Home Depot you can build a fun new project every month for free. You get a kit and directions that you use to nail pieces together, then paint and take home with you. On the first Saturday of every month, there is a new project for you to make with your parent, grandparent or other adult. All kids receive a Home Depot workshop apron that you wear when you build.

When you complete the project, you get a certificate and a pin that you put on your apron. When you complete 10, 25 or 50 projects, you get a special star pin to add to your apron. I have a lot of pins and stars from all of the projects I have built. Some of my favorite projects have been an airplane, birdhouse, chalkboard, and holiday projects.

If you want to know what the upcoming projects are, you can look them up on the Home Depot website at www.homedepot.com under DIY Projects & Ideas.

Volume 41 • Issue 5

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 (480)

752-2327 for any editorial or advertising inquiries.

©2020 Kids’ View Communications Corp.—all rights reserved • 2525 E. Broadway #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716 Fax# (480) 792-2580 • Bear Essential News is distributed free each month.

Printed with recycled newsprint.

www.bearessentialnews.com

ENDORSED BY THE

Arizona Education Association

BEAR 40 YEARS

23

24

BEAR 40 YEARS •

www.bearessentialnews.com

January 2020

Let’s Go...

VALLEY METRO! Safety is Always

Top Priority

Traveling on Valley Metro is fun and exciting, but you need to pay attention when getting to and from your transit stop.

Please remember these safety rules while you are at the station and the bus stop too.

Always Remember to: • Stop, Listen, Look - left, right and left again and listen around light rail tracks and traffic.

Valley Metro trains are quiet.

Learn and Follow ALL Safety Signals and Have a Fun and Safe Trip with Valley Metro!

• Cross the tracks only in a crosswalk and obey the pedestrian signals. Look left, right and left again before crossing the tracks.

• Never skateboard, rollerblade or ride your bike on the tracks or on the station platform.

• Do not place anything on the train tracks.

• Walk your bikes in the crosswalks. Never stop or park your bike on the street or train tracks.

• Obey traffic signals and signs. Cross only on the WALK signal.

• Don’t walk on or stand near the street or the tracks.

• When waiting on the train platform, stand behind the yellow line and the bumpy pad, far away from the edge of the platform.

At the bus stop, stay giant steps away from the street in the Safe Zone.

• Always travel with your family.

Check out our online tools to make your trip planning even easier!

valleymetro.org • 602.253.5000