by CSO Mia Juvera Acevedo, Phoenix

Hello, my name is Mia. This is my second year as a Chief Science Officer. This year my team and I decided to do two action plans. The first one we have been doing is a STEMonstration with each grade. So far, we have worked with K–5 students.

This past fall, while working with K–2, we did vinegar and baking soda in a bottle with a balloon on top. This winter, with 3–5 graders, we did instant snow with different liquids in the winter. We are currently working on deciding what we will be doing with 6–8 graders.

For the second action plan (which is still in planning) we will be hosting a STEAM night at our school with different food venders, a station for each letter of STEAM, other CSOs, and a guest speaker for each letter.

My reason/motivation for joining and continuing this amazing program is getting to have such a diverse and large network, supportive people by your side that believe you can do it, amazing opportunities like this one, and getting to meet others that inspire you to continue doing what you love.

Last year I did a STEMonstration with K–2 students doing elephant toothpaste. I also participated in the Buckeye Air Fair, which was a lot of fun.

Lastly, I went to the STEMYs, which again was a lot of fun. I got to connect with a lot of people both this year and last year. I am looking forward to continuing this amazing program, completing both of my action plans and attending the STEMYs again this year.

Thank you for taking the time to read this. I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of the CSO program and getting picked to be a part of Bear Essential News.