Bear Essential News August 2022, Phoenix Edition by Bear Essential News

Bear 40 YEARS!

August 2022 • Phoenix Edition • www.bearessentialnews.com

essential news

Field Trips Are Back!

Field Trips & Great Classroom Adventures See pages 12 thru 18

In This Picture: Find a star, a banana, a pair of scissors, a chocolate chip cookie, a pencil, a bottle of glue, a key, the sun, a paintbrush and the word FUN!

FEATURE

NEWS

Classroom A dventures! New Van Gogh Found B ig Cat S cat! Fieldtrips make learning fun Pages 10 & 11

Spotlight on global heat wave News Highlights page 5

& more news kids can use Scoops pages 7 & 8

FAMILIES

FUN

Family Outings

A rt Contest

There s so much to do Pages 12 thru 18

Calling all rd-graders Page 2

Let’s Go... VALLEY METRO! 18th Annual Cool Transit STUFF

3rd Grade Art Contest

Thank You, Transit Heroes! North to South and East to West alley Metro s Transit orkers are the est Here are a few ideas to get you started:

his year s contest is open to all rd graders in Maricopa County. e ask these students to help us Thank All Transit Heroes with their best artwork and win a fantastic prize package. It takes numerous people with uni ue skills to get people from here to there in the alley of the Sun. alley Metro workers do it best. e admire their courage, dedication, and honorable ualities in providing e cellent transportation options to all who travel on alley Metro. Please help us celebrate transit workers and passengers with your artwork of them in action. et creative and enter by riday, ctober , 2 22, for a chance to win cool prizes

Transit Drivers get us there on light rail, by streetcar and bus.

Rail Inspectors keep the system operating as e pected.

Safety and Security Officers keep us safe on the journey.

Customer Service Representatives plan the best routes.

Customer Experience Coordinators answer our uestions and provide a friendly face.

Transit Planners keep travel efﬁcient.

Service Employees keep our vehicles and facilities shining. Maintenance Technicians keep buses and trains in good order.

Graphic Designers provide the idea, create the design and produce all kinds of transit materials like maps, brochures, yers, signs and more. Smart Passengers who save money, help clear the air and streets, and make our valley a better place to live

For the contest entry form and more information on the contest: valleymetro.org/transit-education

For fun, color 2021 Best of Show winning design by Evan B. 2 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

New Friends and New Challenges Await—It’s Time to Join Girl Scouts! This is an exciting time of year! Back-to-school time means new friends, new challenges and new adventures. It s a time for kids to learn new things and immerse themselves in unique experiences— and all the wonderful opportunities a new school year brings are increased and complemented when a girl joins Girl Scouts! Girl Scouts is the best girl leadership experience in the world. Girls of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Supported by trusted adult volunteers, Girl Scouts lead the way as they ﬁnd their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to

them. One of those girls is Alexandria, a Girl Scout Junior from Troop 7287. “Girl Scouts goes beyond learning new things to help the world. Girl Scouts is about learning who I am and why I am that way,” explains Alexandria. Girl Scouts take action to make the world a better place. Above and beyond earning leadership awards with their self-led projects, girls improve themselves, too. “My troop does a lot of projects that I feel help me better myself,” says Alexandria. “For example, when we complete a community service project, it puts a smile on my face and on every person I helped. This has helped me improve on my social

Alexandria learns abou t herself and the world around her with Girl Scouts!

skills and has encouraged me to do random acts of kindness.” “Girl Scouts has helped me become who I am now because if it wasn t for irl Scouts, I would not be as conﬁdent as I am today, Ale andria says. Some activities your girl can enjoy include: • Archery • Camping • Coding • Entrepreneurial programs • Hiking • Rock climbing • STEAM activities • Travel • Ziplining As your girl enters a new grade or a new troop this year, she will make new friends. Did you know that four out of ﬁve irl Scouts say they have a in their troop? Help your girl discover a world where she can do, and be, whatever she dreams. Join a troop today! Visit girlscoutsaz.org.

Connect with Us & Learn More! Visit girlscoutsaz.org Call 602-452-7030 Text 844-317-9041

@GSACPC August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 3

on’t miss Bear’s September issue! Our oung Reporters will be out in the community reporting on the hottest locations for class field trips and family outings. oin in the fun!

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Volume 43 • Issue 11

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is published monthly by ids iew 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 fa ids iew Communications for any additional information on stories. Please Call

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News Highlights

The Heat Is On!

Long Hidden Van Gogh Self-Portrait Found hidden painting. Removing the cardboard and glue is a delicate process, and the gallery s press release said that research is ongoing about how An X-ray showing the hidden painting to uncover the self-portrait without damaging Head of a Peasant Woman. The original painting is of a woman named Gordina de Groot, a farmworker in Nuenen, a small farming community in the Netherlands. Van Gogh lived in the area for a short time in the 1880s and completed a series of works showcasing the community s workingclass residents. Visitors will have a chance to see the X-ray image displayed in a specially crafted lightbox, along with Head of a Peasant Woman, at the Royal Scottish Academy in Edinburgh through Nov. 13.

Image: nationalgalleries.org

A previously unknown self-portrait by Vincent Van Gogh was recently discovered on the back of another of his paintings after being hidden behind glue and cardboard for more than 100 years! The STRIKING and mysterious image was discovered when art conservators at the National Galleries of Scotland were e amining an ogh s ead of a Peasant Woman for an upcoming exhibition. They took an X-ray of the painting and found the striking image of the artist s intense stare wearing a hat and neckerchief tied around his throat. “Moments like this are incredibly rare,” says Professor Frances Fowle, Senior Curator of French Art at the National Galleries of Scotland, in a press release. “We have discovered an unknown work by Vincent van Gogh, one of the most important and popular artists in the world.” Van Gogh painted three dozen self-portraits in a decade. This allowed him to practice his skills as a painter and saved him the expense of hiring models for his work. e also often re-used canvases to save money. Rather than painting over his previous works, he would turn the canvas around. The most recently discovered painting joins several other similar self-portraits painted on the back of earlier canvases. While the curators have seen the self-portrait through an X-ray, they have not yet uncovered the

Mirror of Webb Space Telescope Hit arlier this summer, ASA s ames ebb Space Telescope was hit by a micrometeoroid, and NASA reported that the hit caused signiﬁcant uncorrectable damage” to one of its 18 golden mirrors. According to NASA, “micrometeoroid strikes are an unavoidable aspect of operating any spacecraft, which routinely sustain many impacts over the course of long and productive science missions in space.” Micrometeoroids are fragments of asteroids that are usually smaller than a grain of sand. Since scientists knew that Webb would be hit during its time in space, they prepared for it as much as possible. ngineers kept ebb s optics cleaner than required while on the ground—which helped improve its performance in space. Engineers also completed test impacts and simulations on mirror samples to see how they performed and to prepare the telescope as well as they could. The most recent impact was larger than scientis were able to test on the ground and larger than any simulations they ran. This is not the ﬁrst impact ebb has sustained since being launched into space at the end of 2021, and ASA knows it won t be the last.

“We always knew that Webb would have to weather the space environment, which includes harsh ultraviolet light and charged particles from the sun, cosmic rays from exotic sources in the galaxy, and occasional strikes by micrometeoroids within our solar system,” says Paul Geithner, technical deputy project manager at ASA s oddard Space light Center. Not only did engineers take steps to FORTIFY ebb before sending it into space, but ight teams can help protect Webb in orbit. For example, they can use maneuvers to turn the optics away from meteor showers when they know they re coming. nfortunately, this most recent impact was not the result of a meteor shower and NASA described it as “an unavoidable chance event.” The good news is that the other 17 mirror segments are not damaged and engineers have been able to realign everything to account for most of the damage. ebb s mission is to ﬁnd the ﬁrst gala ies that formed in the early universe and to see stars forming planetary systems. It s orbiting the sun about one million miles from Earth. The $10 billion telescope could survive in space for more than 20 years!

undreds of millions of people across the nited States, urope and Central Asia endured heat waves and record-setting temperatures starting uly . Things were already hot here in Arizona and the Southwest, but high pressure domes, which turn up the heat, covered much of the country, putting more than 100 million Americans under EXCESSIVE heat warnings or heat advisories. Triple-digit high temperatures also hit the Midwest all the way to the East Coast. In Europe, temps also soared above 100° F. In fact, Coningsby, England, hit 104.5°, setting the all-time high record for the Tragically, more than 2, people died from the heat in Spain and Portugal. In France, the record heat has led to fast-spreading wildﬁres, forcing tens of thousands of people to evacuate. Heat Wave Facts: • 100 million Americans affected • Also hit Europe & Central Asia • Likely connected by the jet stream

During this time, Central Asian countries like yrgyzstan also suffered from triple-digit temps, using record amounts of water and electricity to try to keep cool. Climate scientists say these heat waves appear to be connected by the jet stream, an air ow pattern that travels west to east in the northern hemisphere. They say computer models indicate that climate change is altering the shape of the jet stream and parking high pressure domes over areas for longer periods. Widespread hot, dry weather like this could hurt food production, affecting even larger portions of the world s population! While many different factors can lead to heat waves in an area, scientists are using powerful computers to determine how much human activity like burning fossil fuels may be changing our jet stream patterns. As of press time, a heat wave in the .S. was hitting California, the Paciﬁc orthwest, Idaho and Montana. These weather conditions worsen the wildﬁre season. And the Oak Fire near picture-perfect Yosemite National Park is intense and fast-growing, forcing more than 6,000 to evacuate areas around the Sierra National Forest. August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 5

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Using Scat to Learn About Big Cats by Elite Reporter Travis Cooper

Image: shutterstock.com

A big cat makes a big scat. Mountain lions weigh up to 220 pounds, and their poop or scat can be 15 inches in length. Mountain lion scat is a communication tool, and scientists study it to learn about the health and behavior of Arizona s big cats. The territories of mountain lions can exceed 100 square miles, and they mark their turf with scat. Mountain lions often poop on mounds of dirt to create “scratch piles.” These markers tell other mountain lions that the area is occupied. Mountain lions also deposit their scat in prominent locations, including the middle of trails, along ridgelines and near animals they have killed. In some cases, mountain lions bury their scat in a manner similar to domestic cats. Scientists use scat to study the health, size and age of mountain lions. Hair and bones in scat can tell researchers what, when, where and how mountain lions eat. And abnormal scat can indicate a poor diet, disease, or parasites. Also, collecting scat is a noninvasive research method for counting mountain lion populations that has been used in Nebraska and California. If you encounter an enormous poop in the wild, it just might be mountain lion scat. Due to its high calcium content, mountain lion scat may be white in color. And the shape tends to resemble the droppings of a very large dog. But the only way to conclusively identify mountain lion scat is DNA analysis.

Man Swims to Raise Awareness for Type 1 Diabetes by Reporter Brett Eymann Transitions Delta Center After being the first person to run from Disneyland to Disney World last year, Don Muchow recently participated in the College of the lorida eys Swim Around ey est. Muchow, 60, ran the marathon to raise awareness for Type 1 diabetes and did the same with the Key West swim. He is not the first person with Type 1 diabetes to compete in the swim—his friend and swim mentor, Source: lorida eys Community College Karen, has completed a solo 12.5mile swim around Key West. Karen also has Type 1 diabetes. Muchow was the overall male winner in the 10k (6.2 mile) swim that took place on June 18. The swim started and ended at Smathers each. Muchow s time was : 2: .

News Stories Written by Kids— for Kids

The Story of a Summertime Favorite by Elite Reporter Athena O’Brien

Did you know that some of your favorite things came about by accident? A special kind of spring in a battleship engine became the Slinky. Play-Doh, created to clean wallpaper, evolved into a toy. Another famous but accidental invention is the popsicle! In San Fransisco in 1905, 11-year-old Frank Epperson was thirsty. He made himself his favorite drink by mixing fruit-flavored powder and water. Frank left the mixture outside with a stirring stick in it. The next morning, he discovered the drink frozen solid. Frank took it out of the cup and had the very first popsicle. They were so good that he decided to share them with his neighbors. He called them psicles pperson s icicles In 1923, he started a business selling them at a local amusement park, and applied for a patent in 1924. Later, his children changed the name to “Popsicle.” et it Pop s icicle Today, people enjoy two billion popsicles every year. So, the next time you have a popsicle, be sure to thank Frank Epperson for his determination to have that fruit drink, no matter what! MORE SCOOPS, page 8 ➧

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August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 7

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Continued from page 7

Students Train to Share STEM by Science Reporter CSO Ben

On July 21, the Arizona Chief Science Officer program began its summer Leadership Training Institute (LTI) at the University of Advancing Technology. CSOs are 6th–12th grade student ambassadors for STEM who focus on raising awareness for STEM in their community and school. It was started in Arizona eight years ago as an idea to get kids at the table with adults who were having conversations about STEM. The program has grown to multiple states across the nation and even to other countries including Mexico, Kenya and Kuwait. The training took place over the span of three days and focused on teaching the essentials of what a Chief Science Officer is and what they do in their roles. They were taught the fundamentals of how to implement an action plan on their campus—which is the most important part of being a CS . An action plan can be any project implemented in the CS s school or community that focuses on some area of STEM. The CSOs were inspired to create STEMonstrations and present to younger students, or to get STEM professionals to come speak to their peers. CSOs who could not attend in person attended virtually. Students learned important communication skills that will help them in interacting with STEM professionals both in person and online. In addition, the CSOs were given the resources to stay connected throughout the year with each other. This way, CSOs will be able to ask for help from other students in implementing their plans. The Leadership Training Institute was a great way for students to connect and grow in their leadership skills. They will remain connected over the course of the year through in-person events and virtually. For the Leadership Council, they will be preparing to lead many more LTIs in the upcoming months for students interested in the CSO program. To get connected with the Chief Science Officer program, visit www.chiefscienceofficers.org.

Ice Princess Tale Is Cool by Aralyn Gallego My review is on a book called “Diary of an Ice Princess: Snow Place Like Home” written by Christina Soontornvat. The reason I picked this book is because I loved the story and the detailed pictures. The author has written four more books in this series. The book is about an ice princess named Lina. She lives in the sky in the clouds with her mom, a Windtamer, her dad a Groundling, and her dog, Gusty. Lina is learning to be a Windtamer like her mom. Lina has a friend named Claudia who is a roundling. Lina applies to her friend s school and e periences a problem. Other situations happen at school for Lina, like she accidently froze the water fountain and turned the boys restroom into a skating rink. At the end of the story Lina discovers that she is not a Windtamer, she is something else. To find out what she is, you will have to read the book. I did not relate to any characters in the book. There was no humor, but if there were, I would have been tickled. If the story had a message, it could have been that differences are okay and everyone makes mistakes. This book is 118 pages long and the target audience is ages 6–9. The author Soontornvat loves science. She is from Texas and grew up reading books behind the counter of a Thai restaurant her parents owned. 8 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

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Roy Loves Animals, Second Grade and Disneyland

athy Roy teaches second grade at Finley Farms Elementary. She also taught third grade at Finley Farms for many years, but moved to second grade during the pandemic. Roy had a degree in fashion merchandising and traveled a lot, but she didn t want to travel for work after she had kids, she e plains. Roy had always wanted to teach, so she went back to school for her teaching degree and then spent si years teaching kindergarten. She says she likes teaching second grade because the kids are so enthusiastic about everything. Second-graders are so eager to learn, says Roy. They are so e cited to come back to school. Little things e cite them. Ale is nominated her teacher, and writes that Roy is great because she helps me and is very nice, sweet, and awesome. Roy was born and raised in Casa rande. She says she was a tomboy growing up, and she continued to play sports and ride uads when she had her two sons. She also enjoys hiking, biking, shopping and spending time with her ﬁve big dogs.

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I want to live on a farm someday, says the self-professed animal lover. Her husband has vetoed getting a goat, but Roy says when she retires from teaching she would like to open an animal rescue and have therapy dogs or miniature horses and visit children with these furry friends. er love of animals does not e tend to creepy crawlies, though. Roy says one time a student brought in a tarantula and wanted her to hold it. She did, but says she was torn between feelings of not wanting to touch it and not wanting to drop it When she is not in the classroom, Roy s happy place is isneyland. She loves the feeling and the lights, she e plains. Roy visits the park a few times a year, and says she tries to be there from open to close—she strives to be the last one standing. Roy says as a student her favorite subject was reading. As a teacher, she enjoys teaching writing. She likes the second grade curriculum and is happy to leave third-grade testing behind. Roy encourages her students to always try their best. She also wants them to understand that we learn from our mistakes.

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Shamrock Farms

Photo: Adam Wolfe, source: inmaricopa.com

Humans have been consuming milk for over a thousand years, and Shamrock Farms has been providing delicious dairy to Arizonans for over years The family-owned business celebrates years in 2 22. hat started with 2 cows and a single truck in Tucson has grown to a herd of over 2 , cows and a business that provides food products to almost , locations. In March, Shamrock Foods received a commendation from the state and a proclamation from the City of Phoenix to OBSERVE its th anniversary. Starting in October, classes can tour a working dairy farm and see the herd, visit an educational museum, and have fun at Roxie s utdoor Adventure play area. Touring classrooms will also see simulated milking and an ice cream parlor as they learn about the farm-to-table journey. Visit shamrockfarmstour.com to reserve an in-person or virtual tour.

For most of us a trip to the airport means we are going on vacation or dropping off or picking up family or friends. Have you ever thought about taking a tour of the airport? Did you know that airport tours existed? Tours of Sky Harbor are free for school groups, scouting groups, families and anyone interested in learning the history of the airport and aviation. Tours take approximately 90 minutes and you can take a self-guided tour or request a speaker to lead your tour. Tours include a ride on the PHX Sky Train®, a visit to one of the terminals, seeing the airport museum and other new airport amenities. Sky arbor ﬁrst opened in uly of and has added terminals over the years. The airport has many shops, restaurants, a chapel, a sensory room and even aircraft spotting areas where visitors can view and photograph incoming and outgoing aircraft. Throughout the airport visitors can see works of art including murals, sculptures, mosaics and many fascinating display cases. Other visitor favorites are the stained glass wall, taking pictures under the huge aviator sunglasses, walking across terrazzo art oors, crossing a -foot luminescent bridge and seeing the outside desert garden. 10 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

Ceramic Sculpture by ane elsey -Mapel • Source: skyharbor.com

Sky Harbor International Airport

Great Ideas for Your Next School or Family Outing! Find the details you need to visit these and other great classroom and family destinations in Bear’s Field Trip Guide in this issue and online at bearessentialnews.com.

Source: wildlifeworld.com

t’s engaging; it’s exciting, and it puts your lesson in a whole new light. What are we talking about? A field trip, of course! Get ready for some hands-on fun and learning. Field trips are back! Check out a few fabulous field trip choices around the Valley.

The Crayola perience in Chandler has hands-on activities for students of all ages to enjoy. Learning about TEXTURE, the science of melting wax and molding shapes makes for a colorful day of fun. At the Rainbow Rain station, kids get to play in virtual colorful melted rain. At the Be A Star station students can step into the photo booth and take an individual picture of themselves or one with classmates and that photo prints out as a coloring page. Texture CRAYze is where kids can make fun images with crayon rubbing textures. Students can customize their own crayon and get a little exercise at the Stomp and Play area. In this area kids get to play many fun games using the interactive oor. You can get creative and customize your own car or be a fashion designer at the You Design station. You color and scan your creations and it is displayed on a large projected screen. Before leaving the Crayola Experience you can stop in the Crayola Store and purchase clothing, school essentials, huggable plush crayons and you can build your own box of crayons or markers with the colors that your personally choose. Teachers can also sign up for a free Bronze Annual Pass.

Source: crayolaE

Image: shutterstock.com

t a e r G Bear’s Guide m o o r s to... C la s ! s e r u t n e v Ad

The Crayola Experience

Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium Wildlife World Zoo, Aquarium & Safari Park is the perfect place for students to get a real-world lesson in the natural sciences ids can feed the lory parrots, see a Wildlife Encounter show and even meet some baby animals at the children s play area and petting zoo. Wildlife World Zoo has Arizona largest collection of exotic and endangered animals with over 600 species represented. The zoo in Litchfield Park first opened to the public in . The a uarium opened in 2 and the safari park opened in 2 . The a uarium has fresh and saltwater fish, amphibians, reptiles, and even mammals (sea lions) and birds ou can find reading resources and download a scavenger hunt, zoo alphabet bingo and other fun activities from ildlife orld oo s webpage before your visit. ust go to wildlifeworld.com and click on “Plan Your Visit” then Field Trips and Teacher Resources.

Valley Metro Free Group Field Trip Pass ow that you have decided where you are going on your field trip, the next question is what type of transportation will you need to get to and from your destination? alley Metro provides a free roup ield Trip Pass that is good for up to students, teachers and chaperones per bus or light rail vehicle. These passes are valid Monday riday for travel from : a.m. to 2: p.m. nce you have decided on the date and time of your field trip, simply contact alley Metro and a field trip coordinator will work with you on setting up your transportation. alley Metro will decide the easiest route for your trip and provide transfer information if needed. Contact the field trip coordinator at least two weeks prior to your trip. ou can either call ( 2) 2 or use the online form located at www.valleymetro.org/form/school-field-trip-itinerary-request-form to re uest your roup ield Trip Pass. ou can also request a free classroom presentation prior to your trip.

Source: valleymetro.org

August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

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Shamrock Farms

Photo: Adam Wolfe, source: inmaricopa.com

Ceramic Sculpture by ane elsey -Mapel • Source: skyharbor.com

Sky Harbor International Airport

Source: wildlifeworld.com

Source: crayolaE

Image: shutterstock.com

t a e r G Bear’s Guide m o o r s to... C la s ! s e r u t n e v Ad

The Crayola Experience

Source: valleymetro.org

August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 11

Field Trips Family Outings For unforgettable fun and learning, few things are as fabulous as a field trip! Here are Bear Essential’s 2022–23 Guides for Field Trips and Fun Family Destinations.

Teachers and parents are always trying to find uni ue ways to motivate students to learn. And kids are thrilled to learn outside of the classroom. Instead of picking up a te tbook, students can e perience up-close and sometimes hands-on activities, like how to dig for fossils, pan for gold, learn to code, e plore marine life, and even present uestions to professionals who work in the areas of ST M, art, nature, music and many other career fields. ne e citing field trip could be the starting point to a child s future college and career path. ield trips often coincide with a teacher s lesson plans for the school year. They also can make learning ST M and history An obstacle that many teachers face is how to pay for the cost of the field trip. There are many factors involved: hat is the cost of the field trip ill the parents be paying a portion of the cost or does the school need to pay for the trip ill parents be asked to participate in a carpool for the trip or will school buses or chartered buses be used in transportation There are ta credits that schools can receive that will provide admission

Aquarium Zoo Safari Park Dragon World Adventure Land Mining Experience

! s r e h c a e T your class

Plan NOW! s p i r T d l e i F Make ildlife orld part of your classroom e perience Arizona s largest animal collection is e hibited on over acres. iscount pricing for your class and chaperones. Call 2 for rates, info and to schedule your visit. r visit us online at www.wildlifeworldworld.com and click on Reserve our School s ield Trip.

wildlifeworld.com

State Route 303 and Northern Ave. in the West Valley 12 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

and transportation for field trips. The first step a teacher should take is to find out the cost of the field trip desired. Then contact the transportation office to see if there is a set rate for your destination. After admission and transportation costs are added up, the teacher will then need to get approved by the school if there are ta credit available. A ta credit allows those who donate to reduce their Arizona income ta by the amount they donate These amounts are up to 2 for a person filing single or up to for joint filing. Anyone wanting to donate to a school can go to www.az.dor.gov and search for ta credits to get more information about helping their child s school. Parents also can make learning fun for their kids by taking educational and fun family trips. Many zoos, museums, a uariums and space centers have self-guided tours that the whole family will enjoy. Parents can incorporate a scavenger hunt or play I Spy during the visit to a family destination to make it more fun and memorable. ondering what fun and e citing field trips are available in your area or a short drive away The 2 22-2 2 ield Trips amily estinations uide begins here. The guide lists places that are fun, entertaining and educational for classrooms and the entire family. The guide will be available online at bearessentialnews.com throughout the year.

Educational Farm Tours

n our guided farm tours every child will get to harvest produce to take home. This valuable hands-on e perience also teaches them how food gets from the farm to their table.

Book Your Tour Now!

FarmFieldTrips@yahoo.com

Field Trips: 602-377-4747 October & November www.tolmachoff-farms.com

5726 N. 75th Ave. Glendale, AZ 85303

ANNUAL ARIZONA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL

12601 E. Hwy 60 • Gold Canyon 520-463-2600 Field Trips/Cirriculum Available Dates: Saturdays, Sundays and Presidents’ Day Monday, February 4–April 2, 2023 Arizona.RenFestInfo.com

Bring the Renaissance to life for your students with a trip to the Arizona Renaissance Festival! With its 50-acre theatrical European market village, the Festival offers a unique opportunity to learn about this important era in history. se the estival s Study uide to highlight the educational aspects of the Renaissance; language, history, science, arts, engineering, exploration, mannerisms, customs, commedia theatre, jousting tournaments, artisan demonstrations and music. Immerse yourself into the world of Royals, peasants, alileo, Medicis, Shakespeare and so much more isit Arizona.RenFestInfo.comfor more information.

ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY 53 N. MacDonald St. • Mesa 480-644-3553 Field Trips/Family Destination azmnhgroups@mesaaz.gov www.azmnh.org

Arizona Museum of atural istory has dinosaurs that roar and so much more! As Arizona s premier natural history museum, we cater to educators and their students. For a special curriculum based learning experi-

ence, book an plore More program. ring your students for an e perience they won t forget. All ages.

2023 ARIZONA SCITECH FESTIVAL

(602) 343-8324 info@scitechinstitute.org scitechinstitute.org

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

ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

Chase Field 401 E. Jefferson St. • Phoenix 602-514-8400 Field Trips/Family Destination www.dbacks.com

The Arizona iamondbacks are the Major League aseball team in Arizona. Since its inception as an expansion franchise in 1998, the team has won a world championship (2 ) and made si postseason appearances. The club has played in front of 32 million fans at Chase Field, which features a signature swimming pool, retractable roof and a kids play area called the Phoeni Children s ospital Sandlot. or more information about the D-backs, or to purchase game tickets, visit dbacks.com

ASU EARTH & SPACE EXPLORATION DAY

781 E. Terrace Rd. ASU Tempe Campus ISTB 4 Building Field Trips/Family Destinations Cost: Free www.sese.asu.edu/communityengagement/events arth and Space ploration ay is a free annual event hosted by the School of arth and Space ploration. This event includes science related activities for students age five and up, families, educators, and anyone interested in Earth and space. The event includes talks with scientists, interactive exhibits, 3D planetarium shows, and student science exhibits. Check our website in Fall 2022 for event details.

ASU SUSTAINABLE EARTH

www.sustainable-earth.org/ Act

ow. uild a etter Tomorrow

Join the movement for a sustainable earth. Where people and the planet thrive. Discover the small daily changes you can make to live more sustainably, find classroom activities, student games, or take action with one of our sustainability challenges Check out our Sustainable Explainable video series on YouTube and more across our social media channels.

BEAR ESSENTIAL NEWS & YOUNG REPORTER PROGRAM

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

Common Core Worksheets: Fresh standards-based fun sheets for classrooms to use in conjunction with the current issue of Bear ssential ews. ree oung Reporters Program: Students in grades 3–8 develop as young writers by writing news stories for ear ssential ews. Young Reporters can attend monthly Zoom meetings and interview important people from our community. Free Presentations: Five dynamic topics are available from a Bear editor.

listings continued on page 14

August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 13

Boomer’s

Fabulously Fun Field Trips continued from page 13

BOOKMANS

Mesa: 1056 S. Country Club Dr. 480-835-0505 Phoenix: 8034 N. 19th Ave. 602-433-0255 bookmans.com

Project: Educate. Educators receive a 20% discount on all purchases. To receive your Project: Educate card, you need to sign up online at www.bookmans.com. You will receive a confirmation email, which you need to bring to your nearest Bookmans location, along with a valid ID and proof of educator status. Kids Club: From birth to age 12 kids receive a 10% discount and a $10 gift certificate on their birthday. 1317: Kids 13-17 receive a 15% discount and a $15 gift certificate on their birthday. Visit Bookmans.com and click on the JOIN tab to sign up.

CENTRAL ARIZONA PROJECT

Classroom Speakers Educational Sponsorships Free Teacher Resource/Curriculum Available 623-869-2176 www.CentralArizonaProject.com CAP offers an Arizona-specific water education program including free downloadable lesson plans for K–3, 4–6, middle and high school students that are standards-based. Lesson plans supported by mixed media tools like videos, posters and activity books! Visit www.cap-az.com/ education or call 623-869-2176 for more information.

CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE

3111 W. Chandler Blvd. • Chandler Field Trips/Family Destination

602-581-5370 chandlerexperience@crayolaexperience.com www.crayolaexperience.com

Discover the magic of color at Crayola Experience! Crayola Experience Chandler is bursting with 18 hands-on activities, perfect for a full day of creative fun. Name your own crayon, star in a coloring page, bring your digital art to life AND MORE! Field trips start at $9.99 per person. PLUS - teachers get a free annual pass with valid ID (see site for details).

EAST VALLEY CHILDREN’S THEATRE Performances at Mesa Art Center 4501 E. Main St • Mesa Field Trips • 480-756-3828 info@evct.org www.evct.org

ast alley Children s Theatre continues with 26 years of theatre opportunities for youth ages 8-18. Adventures await the whole family with our upcoming season at the Mesa Art Center. See Disney The Lion King Jr Sept. 22–Oct. 2, Yes, Virginia, There is a Santa Claus Dec.1–11 (Daytime Matinee shows are available for large groups of school age children), The Frog Prince, A Children s Musical eb. 2 ,2 2 (Daytime Matinee shows are available for large groups of school age children) and Beauty and the Beast June 15–25, 2023 (Daytime Matinee shows are available for large groups of school age children).

GIRL SCOUTS–ARIZONA CACTUS-PINE COUNCIL 119 E. Coronado Rd. • Phoenix 602-452-7030 Grades: K–12 girlscoutsaz.org

Girl Scouts is the best girl leadership experience in the world! Girls of all backgrounds and abilities can be

Mother Nature’s Farm Pumpkin Patch Fall Farm Tours Sept. 24 to Oct. 31 9 to 9, 7 days a week

$12 per person includes an Oz pumpkin, a hayride, spiderweb crawl, feeding the animals and Alexander’s Adventure Maze! Picnic tables, grassy fields and large shade trees!

480-892-5874

Bring in this ad to receive

$200

OFF

Adult Hay Ride Expires 10/31/22

BEAR

Baseline Rd. between Stapley & Gilbert

www.mothernaturesfarm.com

14 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges. Supported by trusted adult volunteers, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. Program activities center around STEM, entrepreneurial skills, financial literacy, outdoor and environmental awareness.

GRAND CANYON COUNCIL BOY SCOUTS OF AMERICA 8840 E. Chaparral Rd. #200 • Scottsdale 602-955-7747 gcc.info@scouting.org www.grandcanyonbsa.org

Discover your path! Scouting in the Grand Canyon Council provides boys and girls with outdoor adventures and activities that allow them to try new things, learn life skills, provide service to others, and build selfconfidence. The Scouting experience is divided into programs according to age and activities. Cub Scouts: Grades K-5 Scouts, BSA: Grades 6-12 Venturing: 14-20 years old Sea Scouting: 14-20 years old

IDEA MUSEUM

150 W. Pepper Place • Mesa Monica: 480-644-4786 Ongoing dates • Tues.–Sun. www.ideamuseum.org

The i.d.e.a. Museum in downtown Mesa has hands–on interactive art exhibits and STEAM activities aimed to inspire students and families of all ages and backgrounds to experience their world differently through art,

creativity and imagination. With a new exhibit opening Aug. 26, “Wing It! Things That Fly” students can soar to new heights, test the forces of aerodynamics with a wind tunnel, examine the structures of feathers under the MicroEye and much more. Our group rate is $5 per person in pre-booked groups of 10 or more. You must book at least two weeks in advance and provide at least one chaperone per 10 students.Teachers are admitted for free with identification.

HALL OF FLAME MUSEUM 6101 E. Van Buren • Phoenix Mark • 602-275-3473 Ongoing dates • Tues.–Fri. www.hallofflame.org

The world s largest museum of firefighting has many award-winning educational programs, from guided tours to exciting hands-on workshops. Phoenix Magazine named our program the “Best Field Trip.” Teachers love our kid-friendly approach to fire safety, history and science. 35,000 square feet of air conditioned galleries. Reservations are required. Ages: 4 and up.

MESA GRANDE CULTURAL PARK

1000 N. Date St. • Mesa Field Trips: 480-644-3553 Mon.–Fri., Oct.–May azmnhgroups@mesaaz.gov www.azmnh.org

At Mesa Grande Cultural Park, students learn about the Hohokam desert people through a guided experiential field trip. We target the science and social studies standards of 4th–6th grade, however all ages welcome.

s p i r T d l e i F

to the ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY and MESA GRANDE CULTURAL PARK

RE ADVENTU L A IC G O OL • ARCHAE N IO T A R LO IDED EXP SELF-GU

•

EASY SC HOOL B US UNL OADING AND LO ADING

We cater to educators and their students. Bring your students for an experience they won’t forget! Excavation Station

Biology Station

ARIZONA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY • Dinosaurs & Prehistoric Mammals • Dinosaur Mountain (3 stories tall!) • Pan for Gold • Learn about Volcanoes • Ancient Cultures of the Americas

MESA GRANDE CULTURAL PARK • Artifacts in Welcome Center • Interactive Archaeology Station • Mock Excavation Station

• Biology Station

Arizona Museum of Natural History 53 N MacDonald • Mesa

Mesa Grande Cultural Park 1000 N Date St. • Mesa

Field Trips/Family Destination • Group Line: 480-644-3553 Tues.-Sun. (Year-round, all ages)

Field Trips/Family Destination • Group Line: 480-644-6555 Wed.-Fri. (Oct.-Apr., 3rd+ grades)

azmnhgroups@mesaaz.gov • azmnh.org

azmnhprograms@mesaaz.gov • azmnh.org

August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 15

Boomer’s

Fabulously Fun Field Trips continued from page 14

MOTHER NATURE’S FARM SCHOOL TOURS

1663 E. Baseline Rd. • Gilbert Field Trips: 480-892-5874 Mon.–Fri., (Sept. 24–31) caroline@mothernaturesfarm.com www.mothernaturesfarm.com/parties

Bring your class or the whole school for a fun farm experience. We have a package of fun waiting for you and your students. $8 per person includes a pumpkin, hayride, animals, Alexander adventure maze, the spider web crawl, outdoor games. Our shady picnic area is available for you to bring your sack lunch. Monday–Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

MCCORMICK-STILLMAN RAILROAD PARK

7301 E. Indian Bend Rd. • Scottsdale Field Trips: 480-312-2312 mccormickreservation@scottsdaleaz.org www.therailroadpark.com

The Scottsdale Railroad Museum captures generations of railroad history into a unique, one-of-a-kind attraction.The museum consists of the historic Peoria Depot, the Roald Amundsen Pullman Car and a number of other railroad artifacts and memorabilia that s sure to bring the history of railroads to life. Admission to the museum is free for all park visitors.

We offer discounted prices on tickets for the train and carousel rides for field trips. A discount of 40% is applied to the ticket price when an advanced reservation is made for school groups. Reservations are required in advance to receive the discount. Please contact us at 480-312-2312 or mccormickreservation@ scottsdaleaz.gov

PHOENIX ZOO

455 N. Galvin Parkway• Phoenix Field Trips/Family Destinations 602-286-3800 www.phoenixzoo.org

Visit the Phoenix Zoo to enhance your STEM-related curriculum content! The Zoo is a uni ue destination offering guided ﬁeld trips on a variety of topics that support classroom-based learning and are designed for multiple learning styles. Grades : Pre-K–College Monday–Sunday, year-round.

SEA LIFE ARIZONA

5000 S. Arizona Mills Circle • Tempe Field Trips 480-478-7600 www.visitsealife.com/arizona/ schools-groups/schools/

Introduce students to a range of scientific topics and encourage excitement and

16 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

curiosity about marine phenomena in the natural world. Ignite imagination and wonder in your class as students come face-to-fin with thousands of creatures and get closer than ever before! Tickets are $8 per person, minimum of 10 students to qualify for school rate. Advanced pre-paid reservations are required a minimum of 14 days in advance Group visits are available on select dates as early as 9 a.m. and must conclude by 11a.m.

School visits at the TUCSON GEM AND MINERAL SHOW® www.tgms.org

TGMS@tgms.org

Tucson Convention Center 260 S. Church Ave. • Tucson 520-322-5773

Friday, February 10, 2023 school classes are invited to attend the Tucson Gem and Mineral show®. Registration begins Nov. 1, 2022, for more information visit www.tgms. org or call or email. Only after registering for the free school visits program, eligible persons from your school–students, including chaperones and bus drivers will be admitted without charge.

SHAMROCK FARMS FARM TOURS

40034 W. Clayton Rd. • Stanfield Field Trips: 602-477-2462 Tours available 10/10/22 – 5/12/23 roxie_tour@shamrockfoods.com www.shamrockfarmstour.com

Shamrock Farms offers a fun and educational field trip through its working dairy farm that will show your students

their pure, fresh farm-to-table story. View the cows being milked, let your students play on Ro ie s utdoor Adventure on your hour-long guided tour. Shamrock Farms is happy to offer in-person tours as well as our recently launched virtual tours. Please visit shamrockfarmstour.com today to reserve an in-person or virtual tour today!!

SKY HARBOR INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

2485 E. Buckeye Rd. • Phoenix Field Trips/Classroom Visits 602-273-4087 • Greg Montes skyharbor@phoenix.gov www.skyharbor.com/tours How would you like to watch airplanes land and take off and experience a major commercial hub airport in action? Or perhaps you are just curious to see the new airport amenities and terminal renovations that have been in the news, or looking for a fun activity to do with family or friends. Tours of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport take approximately 90 minutes and help provide a better understanding of airport operations–they include a ride on the PHX Sky Train®, seeing the airport musuem, visiting airport terminal area, and watching airplanes. Tours are free and in cool air– conditioning to escape the heat. For fun avaition activities visit www.skyharbor. com/beforetraveling/traveling-withchildren/ActivitiesEducation. Listings continued on page 18

www.sealife.com/arizona • Arizona Mills Mall, Tempe August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 17

Boomer’s

continued from page 16

Fabulously Fun Field Trips TOLMACHOFF FARMS

5726 N. 75th Ave • Glendale Field trips • 602-377-4747 Mon.–Fri. (Oct.–Nov.) farmfieldtrips@yahoo.com www.tolmachoff-farms.com/new/field-trips/

On our guided farm tours every child will get to harvest produce to take home and experience educational farm activities. Children will gain valuable hands-on experience and they will benefit when they know where their food is coming from in the process of bringing food from the farm to their table. Cost: Varies. All ages welcome

TUCSON REPTILE & AMPHIBIAN SHOW & SALE

Tucson Expo Center • Tucson 3750 E. Irvington Road Field Trips • 520-405-7020 • Oct. 1–2, 2022 Sat. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. & Sun 10 a.m.–4 p.m. tucsonreptileshow.com

60,000 square feet of reptiles and amphibians from around the world. Petting zoo with tortoises, alligators, snakes and other reptiles. Captive bred reptiles for sale. Cost: Adults: $10; Ages 6–12: $5 Ages 5 & under are free.

VALLEY METRO TRANSIT EDUCATION Field Trips/Classroom Visits 602-523-6070

Mon.–Fri. (Year-round) www.valleymetro.org/transit-education/fieldtrips-transit

alley Metro s School utreach Program makes learning fun. We provide the know-how for students and teachers to learn about their transit system. Free field trip travel on Valley Metro bus and light rail! Learn to use the public transit system while going to fun and educational places. Free Field Trip Pass Preschool and elementary groups traveling weekdays 8:30 am – 2:30 pm 35 people per group 2 week notice required We offer free classroom presentations

WILDLIFE WORLD ZOO & AQUARIUM

16501 W. Northern Ave. • Litchfield Park Field Trips • 623-935-WILD (9453) Open 365 days a year Field trips Mon.–Fri. PreK–12 www.wildlifeworld.com

Your field trip will complement any biology curriculum at any grade level. Students can feed Lory parrots, learn about animal ambassadors and see some display natural behaviors during a ildlife ncounter Show. Meet baby animals in our children s play area and petting zoo! Cost: $8/student, $20/adult, one adult admission free with every 10 paid students (10 student min.)

https://bit.ly/3LkXFv0

18 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

Arizona is an aerospace and aviation hotspot of opportunity with over

9,461 open positions.

August 2022 • Bear Essential News • 19

Daisy Goes Back To School!

Daisy had milk with her breakfast, so she can stay alert and focused all day at school!

See You at School!

Try This Fun Breakfast Recipe! Frozen Yogurt Breakfast Bark This frozen yogurt breakfast bark is fun and easy to make, and is perfect for breakfast and snacking!

www.arizonamilk.org Recipe Notes This frozen yogurt bark should be treated just like ice cream. It will melt after sitting out at room temperature for a few minutes, so it should be enjoyed immediately out of the freezer.

Makes eight servings Recipe Source: thetoastykitchen.com Author: Heather

20 • Bear Essential News • August 2022

Ingredients • 2 cups vanilla Greek yogurt • ½ cup granola • 1 cup berries

Instructions • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. (Choose a baking sheet that will ﬁt into your freezer.)

• Spread Greek yogurt into a thin layer on the parchment paper, about ½ inch thick. Top with granola and berries, pressing berries lightly into the yogurt. • Place baking sheet into freezer and freeze for 2 hours, or until bark is fully frozen through.

• Slice into bite-size pieces and serve immediately. Store leftovers in the freezer in an airtight bag or container.

Maze Image: shutterstock.com

This is Daisy’s ﬁrst day back to school. Can you help her ﬁnd the way?