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Exciting Programs at the Science Vortex
by CSO Mica Altringer and Airyanna Maynard
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Do you know what a Chief Science Officer (CSO) is? They’re taking over the STEM scene, even in the Verde Valley, a rural area of Arizona. CSOs are 6-12th graders who serve as STEM ambassadors in their communities.
There are CSO cabinets all over the world, but the program started in Arizona (this is where we are CSOs). Each CSO is required to complete an action plan that promotes STEM. Our CSO cabinet is stationed at the Science Vortex, a hands-on children’s STEAM (STEM+Art) center located in Cottonwood, Arizona.
Most of Science Vortex Chief Science Officers have accomplished their action plan already this year—some of us have completed more than one project, and those who haven’t yet finished theirs will have them done by the end of the year. CSO Mica ran a cow eye dissection for middle school students at the Science Vortex. CSO Sofia did fun STEM experiments with Sedona Charter School students. CSOs Elisabeth and Lelu designed engaging stations for a field trip group at the Sedona Public Library. CSO Lane led STEM Bingo at a parent engagement night at his school.
Science Vortex: Kids’ Night Out. Kids’ Night Out started as a program that was going to only last three months, but was extended because of the great feedback.
Many of our CSOs also regularly attend STEM events around the state. For example, CSOs ran a stand for Science Vortex at Science in the Park in Flagstaff, attended the SciTech STEM Fest at Barrett-Jackson in Scottsdale, taught students about astronomy at Dark Sky Star Parties at the local libraries, and attended SciTech’s STEM and Innovation Summit in Phoenix.
CSOs learn science, technology, engineering, and math, but they also learn so much more: leadership, followthrough, patience, teamwork, and confidence.
Are you interested in joining the CSO program? To find out how you or your school can get involved, contact Sarah@chiefscienceofficers.org. Science Vortex project
CSOs Sofia and Mica even started a new program at the
