Bear Essential News July 2022, Phoenix Edition

Bear 40 YEARS!

July 2022 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

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®

G. Shepard ’22

Drones, the Amazing New Fireworks!

In This Picture: Find a heart, a star, an ice cream cone, a monsoon raindrop, a happy face, a popsicle and a kite with a tail.

FEATURE

NEWS

NEWS

FAMILIES

Drones Light the Sky! Galleon Wreck Found! Are You a Crafty Kid? S afe Travels Hi-tech shows are on the rise Pages 8 & 9

Spotlight on Colorado River News Highlights page 3

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 5 & 6

A Valley Metro activity Page 12

FUN

Beat the Heat!

Phoenix Children’s tips Page 11

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Celebrates Education!

Congratulations to the Valley teachers recognized during the 2021–22 school year. Thank you to all the students, parents and others who nominated an outstanding teacher. Your teacher could be recognized during the upcoming school year!

Trayce De Leon West Valley Christian

Amy Wallander Cotton Boll Elementary

Anne Mattison Madison Heights Elementary

! Tell us why your S D I K teacher is GREAT

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Teacher name: _______________________

Victoria Van Leuven Archway Veritas

Lindsey Matykiewicz Curry Elementary

Stephanie Stratton Kiva Elementary

School: _____________________________ District: _____________________________ Your name: __________________________ Grade: ______ Phone: _________________

Carly Mahlmeister San Marcos Elementary

Tyler McKinzie Sonoma Ranch Elementary

Clarice Garcia Greenfield Elementary

email: ______________________________ Why is your teacher great? ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________ ____________________________________

Amanda Landingham Ignacio Conchos Elementary

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2 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

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News Highlights

The Colorado River

Timbers of Storied Ship Discovered

Image: oregonencyclopedia.org

Explorers in Oregon have discovered timbers from a 17th century shipwreck, which are part of the ship that inspired the classic movie “The Goonies!”

In 1693, the Santo Cristo de Burgos was loaded with silk, porcelain and beeswax when it sailed from the Philippines headed for Mexico. But the ship never reached its destination—it ended up shipwrecked off the coast of Oregon. The details of the wreck are not precisely known, but it’s believed the ship hit gales in the North Pacific and storms as it got closer to the Oregon Coast.

The Santo Cristo de Burgos was part of the Manila galleon trade, which were Spanish ships that sailed the seas for about 250 years and were a vital part of trade at the time.

Native Americans living in the region fished blocks of beeswax, often stamped with shipping marks, out of the water and off the shoreline. The fate of the ship’s crew is unknown, The Santo Cristo de Burgos would have looked very similar to this galleon, which but local stories suggested that some of the crew survived the was built in the Philippines. wreck. In the centuries since the wreck, explorers, merchants and local residents have traded stories and theories about the shipwreck as its legend grew.

This legend is reportedly the inspiration behind Steven Spielberg’s classic 1985 film about a group of kids seeking treasure from a sunken pirate ship. Spielberg isn’t the only person who was fascinated by the shipwreck; many people have been interested by and searched for the ship in the last few centuries. Evidence of the shipwreck remained largely elusive—until last month. A team recovered a dozen timbers from the Santo Cristo de Burgos’ wooden hull. The timbers were recovered from sea caves, and the risky recovery process involved a team of archeologists, law enforcement, and search-and-rescue teams.

It’s rare to find wood from shipwrecks from this time period. This discovery makes the vessel one of only three Manila galleons in the world with surviving wood pieces! The rare galleon discovery was a thrill for everyone involved, including Native Americans who have heard the tales of the wreck for generations.

President Signs Safer Communities Bill into Law WASHINGTON D.C.—A little more than a month after a mass shooting at a Texas elementary school shocked the world, the U.S. Senate passed the first major gun control bill in nearly 30 years!

Named the Safer Communities Act, the Senate passed the bill with a 65-33 vote on June 23. After passing in the House of Representatives, it was signed into law by President Joe Biden on June 25.

The law expands background checks for adults under 21 who are trying to buy a firearm. It also encourages states to enact “red flag laws” to temporarily keep guns away

President Biden signs gun control bill.

from people who are reported to be a threat to themselves or to others.

It also provides federal funds for expanded mental health care, violence prevention programs and school safety.

While the law doesn’t ban any types of firearms, it is a major step.

“While this bill doesn’t do everything I want, it does include actions I’ve long called for that are going to save lives,” the President said. “I know there’s much more work to do, and I’m never going to give up.”

Few things are as iconic in the American Southwest as the Colorado River. It is the sixth longest river in the country and flows through 11 national parks and monuments— including Grand Canyon National Park.

The Colorado River is sometimes called the hardest working river in the West as it is a critical water supply for agriculture, industry and people. It also supports recreational adventures—from fishing and whitewater rafting to hiking and wildlife viewing. The river supports the water needs of more than 36 million people across seven states and two nations!

So how did we discover the Colorado River and learn to rely on it? According to the National Park Service, Jedediah Smith led the first documented exploration of the Salt Lake region to the Colorado River in the 1820s.

In 1869, John Wesley Powell led a team of explorers on the first thorough investigation WY

Colorado River Facts: • Length: 1,450 miles • Average width: 300 feet • Maximum depth: 85 feet • States it flows through: 7 The desert Southwest’s rivers, lakes and canals

NV CA

UT

CO

AZ

NM

MEXICO

of the Green and Colorado rivers. The team took a three-month trip down the Colorado River, traveling through Colorado, Arizona and Utah before stopping at what we now call Lake Mead in Nevada. Powell was the first explorer to complete a successful downstream river boat expedition—what a trip that must have been!

As more people began settling in the West, the Colorado River proved to be a valuable resource for those in the surrounding areas. In 1922, the Colorado River Water Compact was drafted to divide water from the river among the surrounding states. Hoover Dam was built between 1931 and 1936 to feed Lake Mead, generate electricity, and supply drinking water.

Unfortunately, overutilization and climate change are taking their toll on the Colorado. The river’s reservoirs continue dropping to new lows, and the federal government recently told the seven states that they need to quickly find ways of drastically cutting how much water they take from the river. While agriculture consumes the majority of the water that’s taken from the river, we can all do our part by reducing our water usage and being thoughtful every time we turn on the tap!

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 3

Bear Hugs:

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Take Care of Your Smile and It Will Take Care of You! Complete the crossword to find out how to keep your smile.

Kids, you do the across clues. Adults, down is for you!

(Find the activity answers in next month’s column.)

Kids—Across 1. Be sure to brush __________ a day

2 1

3. Choose__________ instead of sugary snacks

W

4. Juice and soda are ______________ of sugar. Try water!

6. ____________ once a day to get what your brush leaves behind.

7. A hole in a tooth is called a ____________

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9. Choose fruits, veggies and cheese_______ sugar-filled snacks

Adults—Down 2. __________ the soda, sports drinks and juice that kids drink 3. Buy__________ toothpaste for your child

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www.KidzConnextion.com 4 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

by Mary DeStefano

Kids Grow Better Outside Experts tell us that children grow better outside, and your reply might be “Why?—I can’t imagine what we could enjoy in this heat, except maybe frying an egg on the sidewalk.”

It’s July and summer vacation is quickly slipping away. Maybe daily swimming isn’t as fun as it was earlier in the summer. Maybe playing computer games and programs over and over is getting a bit old. If so, maybe it’s time to reconnect to summer and the outdoors in different or unique ways!

As I searched for some novel possibilities for outdoor possibilities in Arizona’s heat, I found several great ideas. Maybe I’ll begin by making a check-off list titled “10 Things to Do Before Summer’s End.” Here are several ideas that I’m putting on my list when I spend a day with a small friend later this month.

I think maybe we’ll look for bugs in a crack. I have often spent time watching ants near an anthill. Next we’ll look skyward and check for flying birds. While looking up we might check for clouds while drawing cloud pictures and talking about types of clouds. Next we might change to searching for white rocks on the ground.

A few other items on my list are: • Find (and maybe photograph) a heart-shaped cactus pad or a flowering cactus • See a wild and/or a tame mammal… …And before I know it we’ll have been outdoors for an hour and no one is whining. When you go, Don’t forget to smear on sunscreen, add hats and bring your check-off list and water.

If possible, why not head up I-17 to higher ground like Sedona or some other inspiring space to enjoy the outdoors and avoid the heat. Find a shady spot for a picnic, look for lizards and colorful birds or find a spot to draw, paint or write poetry! Haikus are fun to write together. They’re only three lines with few syllables—only 5-7-5. Consider heading to a local farm like Tolmachoff or Schnepf Farms, where the whole family can enjoy picking their own fruits or vegetables.

As summer begins to fade set your calendar for a beautiful night sky show—the Perseid meteor shower on Aug. 11–13. Figure out a place that’s away from the city lights. Enjoy each summer day.

Enter To Win Desert Insect Coloring Book!

Math Books Entry Form Name: ________________________________

Age: ______

Address: _______________________________ ZIP: _______ E mail: ____________________________________________ Mail your entry by August 31, 2022 to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716

Get the Scoop!

Artist’s Totems Are Inspired by Dream

by Reporter Faith Moore, Arizona Desert Elementary

Have you ever wanted to do crafts? If so, what would you make or what would you like to do?

Joni Hopp makes many art and crafts. “I’ve always been crafty,” explains Hopp. One of the favorite things Hopp has done is working in a dental office. “You never know where life is going to lead you,” she says.

Hopp began her crafty adventure by making dolls for her kids, similar to Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. She made the dolls realistic, even with a belly button.

Hopp’s inspiration for her glass totems was a dream that she had about her former boss. They were talking to each other in his office in the dream. Hopp visited his wife in Colorado. She had totems in her yard.

When Hopp returned home, she bought supplies and made a totem. She gets her supplies from estate sales, thrift stores and sometimes a client’s personal belongings. It takes Hopp six hours to make a totem. She has made 80 so far.

“My favorite totem is the seahorse because I love the ocean and the color blue,” she says. Hopp also likes the crystal totems because she likes the sun’s reflection. Some of Hopp’s other crafts and hobbies include making crystal sun catchers.

MORE TOTEMS, page 6 ➧

Books or Movie, ‘The Bad Guys’ Is Good Fun

by Reporter Georgiana Readhead, Homeschool This spring, I watched the movie ”The Bad Guys” at the cinema. Originally a book series written by Aaron Blabey and made up of 16 books, The Bad Guys have been put onto the big screen! The film was released on April 22, 2022. The movie is now available on digital, Blu-ray and DVD. Watching the movie will not spoil anything if you want to read the book after you watch the movie—or the other way around—as the movie does not follow many of the book’s plot points.

The movie is about the notorious criminal characters Mr. Wolf, Mr. Snake, Mr. Piranha, Mr. Shark and Ms. Tarantula. After pulling off several heists, they are eventually caught. In order to avoid going to prison, these outlaw animals pretend to become model citizens.

Professor Marmalade helps them in their quest to fool the world into thinking that they are “good” guys.

The movie is in animation and rated PG, so it’s a great movie to watch with your family snuggled up on the couch or at the cinema this summer break! The movie is fast-paced and full of twists and turns that are bound to keep you interested and entertained! If you like the books or are interested in action animation, be sure to check out the movie. Check out the books if you’re looking for a new book series to get into this summer! It’s not bad!

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids New Zealand to Go Greenhouse Gas Free

by Reporter Jonathon Gausden Waybright Academy

New Zealand’s government is planning to reduce greenhouse gas and cut the use of fossil fuels. The government is even paying New Zealanders to use hybrid or electric cars, according to a recent article in Time for Kids.

New Zealand also hopes to remove as much greenhouse gas as they produce by 2050, which is approximately 82 million metric tons of greenhouse gas, and to reduce car travel by 20% by 2035.

Other countries should consider doing this to make the planet more habitable.

Other countries including the UK, Norway and France are helping with climate change, too.

The Time for Kids article first appeared on May 16, 2022, in New Zealand. New Zealand plans to reduce greenhouse gas as part of a global effort. The reporter talks to New Zealand’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Ardern. She said, “We cannot leave the issue of climate change until it’s too late to fix.”

I like that people are trying to fix the climate change problem before it can’t be fixed. Everyone can do their part to help solve the climate change problem by notifying other people about the issue, starting a recycling program, using less paper, using electric vehicles, using less water, or unplugging devices when you’re not using them.

REPORT FOR BEAR! Call us at:

866-639-7543 sponsors

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 5

B

Get the Scoop!

Continued from page 5

Every Drop Counts When It Comes to Water Image: phoenix.gov

by Reporter Ezekial Perez Homeschool

“In the Desert Every Drop Counts” is the City of Phoenix phrase to invite us to be more careful in the ways we use water.

What things can you do to not waste water?

For example, each time you brush your teeth, you should turn off the faucet while brushing. This way, you don’t waste about 16 liters of water a minute. I just learned this from the City of Phoenix website.

If you would like to learn more about saving water, go to www.phoenix. gov/waterservices/bewatersmart. Scroll down and click on “Learn all the ways to see water differently.” It is on a green color background. It will take you to the “Water Resources and Conservation” page. On the right upper side, it says: “Water Education from the Cloud.” Click on it to find interesting and educational videos, coloring books and games. It is fun to learn water saving tips and find out how the water is treated in our city.

Please, let's enjoy our desert while being Phoenix Water Smart!

More Totems Continued from page 5

Hopp’s advice for kids wanting to start a project like this is to think of what you want to do and go to the store and look for what supplies will fit your idea. Coordinate the colors to match.

Adviser: Karen Golden

6 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

Faith interviews artist Joni Hopp.

Summer Adventures Start with Girl Scouts Do you love the outdoors? Then summer is the perfect time to join Girl Scouts and participate in the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge! Escape to the cool mountains, enjoy refreshing water activities at a nearby lake, or visit a national park during your family’s summer road trip.

Getting outdoors is a fun way to spend your summer, and girls can earn a limited-edition patch when they complete activities from the adventure-filled list on the Girl Scouts website. The number of activities required to earn the patch varies based on each Girl Scout level. Activities include learning and teaching the Leave No Trace principles, earning a nature badge, visiting a national

park, zoo or botanical garden, sketching the phases of the moon and more!

Families can download a Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge Worksheet and find additional activities to score points and earn this year’s patch online. To find Girl Scouts enjoy summe r adventures at the lak e. the worksheet and activities, just visit girlscouts.org and search “Outdoors Challenge.” The challenge is The outdoors is a core program pillar in Girl happening now and wraps up with Girl Scouts Love Scouting, so if your girl and your family love State Parks Weekend on Sept. 10–11. outdoor adventures, then Girl Scouts is a great fit.

From the backyard to the surrounding desert and nearby mountains, Girl Scouts has a long history of getting girls outdoors. Many Girl Scouts recall camping trips as being one of the best things about their Girl Scout experience.

Becoming a Girl Scout is easy! Annual membership fees are only $25, and summer is the perfect time to celebrate your love for the outdoors and begin your Girl Scouting journey.

Girls can get a head start before the school year, and join or start their own troop when school starts. After all, back-to-school season is back to troop season with troops expanding or being created when summer ends.

Another way to get started is through Girl Scout Summer Camp. Camp sessions are now underway and limited sessions are still available.

To find out more, visit girlscoutsaz.org.

Join Girl Scouts today!

Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 7

fireworks for this Fourth of July this year.

As more companies are able to offer drone shows and more affordable technology becomes available, the cost of these shows may decrease. Currently, a drone show can cost from $25,000 up to $200,000 or more.

A typical drone show, like a fireworks display, may last about 15 minutes. But unlike the fireworks, a drone light show can run multiple times on any given evening. The drones can be used again in other shows at other times, too.

Image: skymagic.com

Bright Lights, Lightweight Drones!

including the British flag, a stamp, a horse, a cup of tea and a corgi—the queen’s beloved dog. The drone show was produced by SKYMAGIC, and took about six months to put together.

From ideas and pencil sketches, to software that told each drone where to go, the light show was a technological marvel. The lights over Buckingham Palace could be seen all over London. Because of the secrecy around the celebration, the show was performed there for the first time on the big night—all the practices took place elsewhere.

The drone light display at the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremonies last July was a highlight of the Games. The show used 1,824 Intel drones equipped with four LEDs and weighing less than a pound each. The drones formed geometric shapes, the emblem for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a 3-dimensional image of the Earth.

Drones played a part during the Super Bowl halftime shows in 2017 and 2019 and put on multiple light shows over Los Angeles this year during pre-game Super Bowl weekend festivities. Some cities in droughtplagued California and Colorado planned drone light shows instead of 8 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

One of the reasons drone shows are expensive is because they use hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones.

Drones used in light shows are equipped with very bright LEDs that can turn on and off and change color.

The drones used for light shows are usually quadcopters, or drones with four rotors, like the one seen below. These specialized drones are very lightweight because they do not carry cameras or other equipment. The light weight makes them very agile, so they can maneuver easily to create their cool designs.

These drones are all about the bright lights, baby! They usually carry just an LED, a battery and GPS sensors.

A light show is designed using a 3D animation program that plots out where each

Image: parrot.com

Pros & Cons

of Drones vs. Fireworks PROS: • Will not cause wildfires like fireworks can • No loud noises that scare pets • Can be programmed to form words and moving pictures • Can be reused and can run multiple shows in one evening

CONS: • Drone light shows are very expensive • Limited companies that produce drone light shows

VS.

NEXUS DRONES! from Bear Essential News!

Flying High & Lighting Up the Sky!

These flying robots are used for many tasks above and beyond synchronized light shows. Drones can be used to monitor climate change, take part in search and rescue, deliver goods, and film and photograph remote locations that might otherwise be inaccessible.

But the use of drones can be very controversial, too, as they are employed for reconnaissance, surveillance and even attacks by the military.

According to some tech enthusiasts, your packages and pizzas may arrive on your doorstep via drone in the near future. In June, Amazon announced plans to start doing Prime Air drone deliveries in Lockeford, California. Some time later this year, packages will be delivered by drone to customers in this town south of Sacramento, and the company will then make tweaks to the delivery system.

Beyond food and packages, drones can by used to help the environment. Images taken by drone can help scientists monitor changes to the landscape caused by natural disasters and climate change. Right here in Arizona, Green Drone AZ is helping to survey land in the Tonto National Forest to aid in the conservation of desert riparian areas. The project helps scientists learn about invasive plants and wildfire risks in our region. Find out more about Green Drone AZ on page 15 in this issue.

Image: amaz on.com

H

ow do you turn math into magic, plotting points in the air to paint a picture in the sky? By using drones, of course! Or, more accurately, hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones programmed to perform a dazzling, stellar storyboard.

Like a marching band creating images on a field, drones can provide incredible moving pictures in the sky. Unlike fireworks, drones can also spell out words and messages. Using light, color and mathematical know-how, drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) put on a spectacular sky show that is hard to beat!

At Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in early June, 400 drones put on a light show in the sky. The drones created images

Image: skymagic.com

Drones, the Amazing New FIREWORKS!

Enter to WIN

Drones Fly into Action, Now and in the Future

Complete this poem by filling in the blanks for a chance to win a pair of Laser Battle Drones!

Kids ages 17 & under can enter.

Buzzing, ________ing, ___________ing, Zig-zagging across the ________________, My little drone flies ____________.

But what I like best, when put to the test, is how my drone ____________________ !

NEXUS Laser Battle Drones

Drone Contest Entry Form Name: ______________________________ Age: ______ (Must be 17 or under to enter) Address: ____________________________ _______________________ ZIP: _______ E mail: ______________________________ Mail your entry by August 31, 2022 to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716

drone needs to be to create the desired shapes, patterns or words. Then computer software tells each drone where to go in the sky, so only one or two pilots are usually needed to run the show.

Although a drone light show may only last for minutes, it can take several months for the creators to design, choreograph and program the show to make it spectacular from every angle.

A specialized drone used for choreographed light shows.

Enjoy the Show!

The Chinese team High Great sets another record for the most drones used in a light show.

Over 5,200 drones were launched in September of 2021, and the team currently holds the Guinness World Record.

Photo courtesy of guinnessworldrecords.com

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

fireworks for this Fourth of July this year.

As more companies are able to offer drone shows and more affordable technology becomes available, the cost of these shows may decrease. Currently, a drone show can cost from $25,000 up to $200,000 or more.

A typical drone show, like a fireworks display, may last about 15 minutes. But unlike the fireworks, a drone light show can run multiple times on any given evening. The drones can be used again in other shows at other times, too.

Image: skymagic.com

Bright Lights, Lightweight Drones!

including the British flag, a stamp, a horse, a cup of tea and a corgi—the queen’s beloved dog. The drone show was produced by SKYMAGIC, and took about six months to put together.

From ideas and pencil sketches, to software that told each drone where to go, the light show was a technological marvel. The lights over Buckingham Palace could be seen all over London. Because of the secrecy around the celebration, the show was performed there for the first time on the big night—all the practices took place elsewhere.

The drone light display at the Tokyo Olympics Opening Ceremonies last July was a highlight of the Games. The show used 1,824 Intel drones equipped with four LEDs and weighing less than a pound each. The drones formed geometric shapes, the emblem for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and a 3-dimensional image of the Earth.

Drones played a part during the Super Bowl halftime shows in 2017 and 2019 and put on multiple light shows over Los Angeles this year during pre-game Super Bowl weekend festivities. Some cities in droughtplagued California and Colorado planned drone light shows instead of 8 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

One of the reasons drone shows are expensive is because they use hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones.

Drones used in light shows are equipped with very bright LEDs that can turn on and off and change color.

The drones used for light shows are usually quadcopters, or drones with four rotors, like the one seen below. These specialized drones are very lightweight because they do not carry cameras or other equipment. The light weight makes them very agile, so they can maneuver easily to create their cool designs.

These drones are all about the bright lights, baby! They usually carry just an LED, a battery and GPS sensors.

A light show is designed using a 3D animation program that plots out where each

Image: parrot.com

Pros & Cons

of Drones vs. Fireworks PROS: • Will not cause wildfires like fireworks can • No loud noises that scare pets • Can be programmed to form words and moving pictures • Can be reused and can run multiple shows in one evening

CONS: • Drone light shows are very expensive • Limited companies that produce drone light shows

VS.

NEXUS DRONES! from Bear Essential News!

Flying High & Lighting Up the Sky!

These flying robots are used for many tasks above and beyond synchronized light shows. Drones can be used to monitor climate change, take part in search and rescue, deliver goods, and film and photograph remote locations that might otherwise be inaccessible.

But the use of drones can be very controversial, too, as they are employed for reconnaissance, surveillance and even attacks by the military.

According to some tech enthusiasts, your packages and pizzas may arrive on your doorstep via drone in the near future. In June, Amazon announced plans to start doing Prime Air drone deliveries in Lockeford, California. Some time later this year, packages will be delivered by drone to customers in this town south of Sacramento, and the company will then make tweaks to the delivery system.

Beyond food and packages, drones can by used to help the environment. Images taken by drone can help scientists monitor changes to the landscape caused by natural disasters and climate change. Right here in Arizona, Green Drone AZ is helping to survey land in the Tonto National Forest to aid in the conservation of desert riparian areas. The project helps scientists learn about invasive plants and wildfire risks in our region. Find out more about Green Drone AZ on page 15 in this issue.

Image: amaz on.com

H

ow do you turn math into magic, plotting points in the air to paint a picture in the sky? By using drones, of course! Or, more accurately, hundreds or even thousands of synchronized drones programmed to perform a dazzling, stellar storyboard.

Like a marching band creating images on a field, drones can provide incredible moving pictures in the sky. Unlike fireworks, drones can also spell out words and messages. Using light, color and mathematical know-how, drones or Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) put on a spectacular sky show that is hard to beat!

At Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebration in early June, 400 drones put on a light show in the sky. The drones created images

Image: skymagic.com

Drones, the Amazing New FIREWORKS!

Enter to WIN

Drones Fly into Action, Now and in the Future

Complete this poem by filling in the blanks for a chance to win a pair of Laser Battle Drones!

Kids ages 17 & under can enter.

Buzzing, ________ing, ___________ing, Zig-zagging across the ________________, My little drone flies ____________.

But what I like best, when put to the test, is how my drone ____________________ !

NEXUS Laser Battle Drones

Drone Contest Entry Form Name: ______________________________ Age: ______ (Must be 17 or under to enter) Address: ____________________________ _______________________ ZIP: _______ E mail: ______________________________ Mail your entry by August 31, 2022 to Bear Essential News 2525 E. Broadway Blvd. #102 • Tucson, AZ 85716

drone needs to be to create the desired shapes, patterns or words. Then computer software tells each drone where to go in the sky, so only one or two pilots are usually needed to run the show.

Although a drone light show may only last for minutes, it can take several months for the creators to design, choreograph and program the show to make it spectacular from every angle.

A specialized drone used for choreographed light shows.

Enjoy the Show!

The Chinese team High Great sets another record for the most drones used in a light show.

Over 5,200 drones were launched in September of 2021, and the team currently holds the Guinness World Record.

Photo courtesy of guinnessworldrecords.com

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 9

The CDC also recommends preparing a plan for your family for emergencies. Figure out ahead of time and talk about what would happen if the carpool plans change, if there is inclement weather, or if a student gets ill or injured at school. Planning ahead of time will help reduce problems or panic when these unexpected things happen.

Staying healthy, getting enough sleep and being prepared to head to school each morning with what you need for the day will ensure that you have a successful school year!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

9

B

ack to school time is almost here. It can be an exciting, but stressful, time for both students and parents. But there are things you can do to make the transition from summer to school smoother for everyone!

Have you been staying up later during the summer? Don’t try to reset your schedule overnight! Now is the time to start getting ready for that earlier wake-up time. Give yourself a few weeks and gradually move your bedtime and morning alarm back by increments. This will ease the back-to-school schedule shift and have you bright-eyed and bushy-tailed for your first day of school!

You can also get in the habit of setting out your outfit the night before—you might also double check the contents of the bag or backpack that you take with you to summer camp or on outings. It’s good practice for gathering your school supplies ahead of time and not scrambling in the morning when it’s time to go!

Are you going to be attending a new school this year? Many schools have an orientation or open house before school starts. Mark the date on your calendar, plan to get familiar with the campus and learn where you need to go before the first day arrives. Or you might arrange a school tour if the school does not have open house or if it conflicts with your family’s summer vacation. If you don’t get on campus before the first day, just take a breath and relax! Teachers, school staff and even older students expect to see newbies and are happy to offer directions and help.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, or CDC, offers nine health hacks for students which were posted in 2019, but are still applicable. The “Stay Cool” tip is especially relevant here in Arizona. The CDC reminds kids to use and reapply sunscreen, drink water (and don’t wait until you’re already thirsty), and limit outdoor activity during the middle of the day.

If your child has not had a wellness check with their pediatrician this year, you may want schedule it now. Get up to date on recommended vaccinations before the school year starts.

Black Mountain BMX For Dates and Times, check our website

602-999-5979

www.blackmountainbmx.com 10 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

Back-To-School

SUCCESS

Volume 43 • Issue 10

We Are OPEN and

RACING!

CDC Health Hacks for

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.

©2022 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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Fun tips on healthy foods, fitness and well being —from our family to yours!

Summertime Fun— Beat the Heat and Stay Active!

phoenixchildrens.org • 602-933-0935

By Natalie Lutz, RN, MS APRN-PC

S

ummertime has arrived! Although it can be tempting to stay indoors during the Arizona summer heat, it’s important to stay active. Physical activity has many health benefits including improving brain health, strengthening muscles and bones, managing weight, preventing disease and improving mood.

Children ages 3–5 years should be active throughout the day, and children and adolescents ages 6–17 should get 60 minutes of intense physical activity daily.

Image: shutterstock.com

Stay safe in the sun

Whatever activity you choose, remember that when spending time outdoors, early morning is best to avoid the hottest part of the day and when the sun’s rays are the strongest. Even in the morning, cover up to protect from the sun, wear sunblock, drink a lot of water and HAVE FUN!

Free and low-cost ways to stay active Here are some things you can do to stay active during the summer heat:

1. Family workouts (in air conditioning, of course!)

• Planet Fitness offers FREE memberships for teens 14–19 through August 31.

• FitPHX offers FREE virtual classes.

• Yoga is offered the second Saturday of each month from 9–10 a.m.

• Full body circuit training classes are held 6–7 p.m. through August 9.

• Mall walking is a great way to escape the heat and get exercise.

2. Cool off with water play.

• Splash pads: FREE fun for kids. Search your city website to find local splash pads.

• Community swimming pools: Some even offer water slides!

• Water parks: Such as Golfland Sunsplash and Hurricane Harbor Phoenix.

• Consider a day trip to the Salt River or local lakes to play.

3. Go for a family hike or bike ride.

• Papago Park (Phoenix): Relatively gentle and easy hikes. View the iconic Hole In the Rock and city skyline.

• Pinnacle Peak Park (Scottsdale): Hike up a mountain filled with enormous boulders. Ideal for family hikes.

• South Mountain (Phoenix): Great spot for a hike or family bike ride with moderate to challenging trails.

• Arizona Canal path: Easier route with a 10-mile paved section stretching between Granada Park and 67th Avenue.

4. Explore a cool museum.

• Children’s Museum of Phoenix: Kids can play, learn, create and build. FREE admission on the first Friday of each month from 5–9 p.m.

• Arizona Capitol Museum: Kids can learn about Arizona’s interesting past.

Free to explore with a suggested donation.

• Arizona Museum of Natural History: Interesting exhibits including dinosaur fossils. i.d.e.a. museum: Imagine, design, build! It’s indoors and affordable.

• Check out other museums in your area!

5. Other outdoor activities: • The Phoenix Zoo: Four different trail options—one includes a petting zoo! Consider a family membership to use year-round with benefits including early admission.

• The Desert Botanical Garden: Children’s story time offered on various mornings from 8–9 a.m. included with general admission.

• Visit a local farm: Such as Mortimer Farms, Schnepf Farm, Superstition Farm or Mother Nature’s Farm.

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

Let’s Go...

VALLEY METRO! Travel Safely Together

Word Code

Riding Valley Metro is a shared experience. Transit brings the community together to visit favorite destinations and discover new ones. At Valley Metro, we are all about adventure while observing the rules. We want everyone to have a safe, respectful, and enjoyable ride on every bus, every train, at every station and bus stop.

1=A 2=E 3=F 4=G 5=I 6=K 7=L 8=M 9=N 10=O 11=P 12=R 13=S 14=T

Safety Begins with You! City buses, light rail and streetcar are all great ways to travel. Break the code and learn more about safety tips for travel.

• Think, __ __ __ __ , look and listen when getting to and from your transit stop.

13

14

10

11

• Never play on or near the transit tracks. Remember, tracks are for the __ __ __ __ __ __ .

14

12

1

5

9

13

• Be __ __ __ __ around traffic. Cross tracks and streets only at designated crossings.

13

1

3

2

• Stay in the safe zone at your stop, away __ __ __ __ the train platform edge and giant steps away from the street at bus stops. 3 12 10 8 • Be careful getting on and off a transit vehicle and find a __ __ __ __ quickly or hold 13 2 1 14 on to a handlebar.

Enjoy the ride and remember Safety Begins with You!

TRAVEL __

__

Next Step: Copy the letters that are in the geometric shapes above and write them in the shapes that appear on the train below to get an important message!

__

__ __ !

ANSWER: Travel SMART!

Summer Fun at Valley Metro Fun: https://www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/valley-metro-fun 12 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

www.sealife.com/arizona • Arizona Mills Mall, Tempe July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 13

Appropriate Adult Supervision

Kool Kids

Free swim for boys and girls 17 & under at Phoenix public pools.

Call (602) 534-6587 For locations: www.phoenix.gov/parks/pools

14 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

July 2022 • Bear Essential News • 15

Today’s Forecast: Color the Ice Cream Cone!

In 1984, July was declared National Ice Cream Month

a h t i W S un n y, f o e c n Cha ! s e l k n Spri Fact: The average American eats about 35 pints of ice cream each year

! s d i K

Make Your Own Ice Cream Pops Ingredients: • 1 pint of ice cream, any flavor • 18 4-inch lollipop sticks • Assorted toppings: sprinkles, nuts, crushed candy, mini chocolate chips

Fact:

Directions: 1. Place 2 parchment paper lined plates in the freezer for 15 minutes.

2. Sprinkle toppings of choice on a baking sheet.

3. Using a half-ounce ice cream scoop or small spoon, scoop 9 ice cream balls and place on the toppings. (return the pint of ice cream to the freezer so it doesn’t get too soft).

4. Roll the balls in the toppings, pressing in to make sure the toppings stick to the ice cream.

5. Insert sticks into the center of the pop. Place on the frozen plates and freeze until solid, about 30 minutes.

6. Repeat with remaining ice cream and toppings.

There are over 190,000 milk producing cows in Arizona

Fact:

It takes 3 gallons of milk to make 1 gallon of ice cream

Fact:

Have a Fun and Cool Summer!

16 • Bear Essential News • July 2022

A cow produces about 6 gallons of milk every day

www.arizonamilk.org