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NM MESA gears up for productive school year Ya’’eeh (Hello), After than 30 years, NM MESA has learned a thing or two. This summer I am enthusiastic to announce the start NM MESA shared some of this precious of NM MESA’s 33rd year! NM MESA knowledge as staff members presented best had its humble beginning on the campus of practices in STEM enrichment at two state the University conferences im- of New Mexico pacting hundreds in 1982. In its of teachers. And to first year, 150 be proactive in the ninth grade stu- education field, NM dents from five MESA have either NM MESA staff photo A l b u q u e r q u e renewed or obtained Red Mountain MS poses after staging a NM best-ever performance at the MESA high schools and New Mexico Full USA National Championship. Advisor Monika Velez, rear, leads the team of (l to r) Bernalillo High Teacher/Substitute Freddy Sanchez, Adrianna Darrow and Javier Rodriguez. The team won three sets School became Teacher Licensure of medals, including third-place overall. the first NM for its staff because MESA class. NM MESA comes Today, the in contact with stu- NM MESA teams score high, NM MESA pro- dents continually gram is in 105 during the course of middle and high the academic year. win events at 2015 MESA USA schools through- Regional Coordi- out the state. nators and our State This statewide Events Coordinator National Competition coverage results conduct workshops, chez and Javier Rodriguez, led by advisor in over 4,500 coordinate leader- Terry Ramirez Monika Velez. The high-school team is students - ship summits, guide SW Regional Coordinator from Las Crudes Mayfield HS and con- ticipating in any field trips and work given year. This side-by-side with The 2015 MESA USA National Competi- sisted of Jacob Hammond, Lachlan Boyd, expands to tens students in devel- tion was held June 17-20, 2015 in Ogden, Kevin Brooks and Timothy Trujillo, led by Photo by Rick Cole of thousands of oping projects for Utah. This high-level competition show- their Advisor Kaelin Redmond. Both teams NM MESA Executive Director Toney Begay students, teach- competition. cased the best of middle-school and high- brought home several medals in different addresses student competitors at the 2015 ers and parents You will learn school MESA engineering from 10 MESA categories! Middle School MESA Day. impacted by the about the important USA states, and New Mexico competitors While in Utah, the students also enjoyed MESA model. work my staff is fared quite well against participants from touring Downtown Ogden and went to La- NM MESA is the only year-round youth dong in this issue. NM MESA has a long other states. goon Amusement Park. The students also educational program that provides educa- tradition of implementing STEM education The competition this year was the Pros- visited with students from other MESA tional enrichment for up to seven consecu- enrichment to prepare students for univer- thetic Arm Challenge, designing and us- states, made new friends and even got to tive (6th to 12th grade) years. More than sity/college and the workforce by investing ing an engineering-based solution to a real devour s’mores cooked over open flames 71% of NM MESA participants are stu- resources such as financial, partnerships world challenge. Teams built a low cost one evening! dents of color. NM MESA has successfully and man hours in the future leaders. As I Prosthetic Arm and had to demonstrate that delivered programs to students and teach- conclude, do not forget to “like” us on Fa- it could complete a set of pre-defined tasks. Red Mountain brought home the following ers by creating partnerships. NM MESA’s cebook to stay aware of NM MESA activi- They also had to a technical paper, MS division medals/trophies: Overall - 3rd partners vary, and include five universi- ties and achievements. create a poster and an oral presenta- ties and one community college and 31 tion. This year the NM Southwest Region Object Relocation - 2nd New Mexico school districts administered Toney Begay sent both the middle and high school teams Design efficiency – 1st through Memorandum of Understanding NM MESA Executive Director to the competition. The middle-school See MESA USA on page 2 agreements. team from Red Mountain MS in Deming consisted of Adriana Darrow, Freddy San- NM MESA Staff Photo After winning three sets of medals at MESA USA Nationals in June, the Las Cruces Mayfield HS MESA team beams with success. From left to right, the team consists of advisor Kaelin Redmond and team members Tim Trujillo, Kevin Brooks, Jacob Hammond and Lachlan Boyd.

Photo by Rick Cole North Regional Coordinator Matt Solano explains various components of the Alice computer software program to teachers attended the Second Annual STEM Symposium, hosted by the New Mexico Public Education Department (PED). For more details, refer to the STEM Symposium article on page 6.

2 VISION - Summer, 2015 MESA USA Success From Page 1

Mayfield brought home the following HS On the Road Again division medals: Linda Andrews so fast that one can get dizzy! It is important ebrated staff milestones. Regional coordi- Academic display –3rd NM MESA Deputy Director work but also a lot of fun to the best nators will share the plans with Advisors at Distance accuracy – 1st things for advisors and students in terms the first RAM of the year. Design efficiency -2nd New Mexico roads were busy with of STEM enrichment. We came away with Two staff members were recognized MESA staff on June 8, 2015, as they - great plans for the upcoming year but also as having served NM MESA for 10 years. for Bishop’s Lodge in Santa Fe. They with a renewed feeling of dedication to our These were Toney Begay, Executive Di- Following are the 2015 MESA USA Na- were travelling offsite for the annual Staff NM MESA programs. rector, and Helena Kirkwood, Accounting tional Engineering Design competition re- Retreat to an inspiring and restful location For 2015-2016, we decided the events Technician. As a “familia,” we all cel- sults: that aided in the planning process for the of our MESA Day competition, planned ebrated their milestones together. Each of upcoming school year. activity/event dates, brainstormed on many the two received a Nambe platter engraved Three days were spent reviewing the topics, shared activity and event ideas with the NM MESA logo. Congratulations 2014-2015 school year and planning for MIDDLE SCHOOL from all regions, planned regional rallies, to Toney and Helena! 2015-2016. Sounds easy, right? Well, not leadership summits, statewide events, pro- We left tired but fulfilled and are ready so much. When you put 12 dedicated, cre- fessional development meetings, and cel- to begin the new school year with a bang! ative people in one room, ideas fly around Overall – 1st Washington (Jason Lee MS), 2nd Oregon (Meadow Park MS), 3rd New Mexico (Red Mountain MS)

Technical paper – 1st Oregon (Meadow Park MS), 2nd Maryland (Lake Elkhorn MS), 3rd Utah (Granite Park Junior High)

Oral presentation – 1st Oregon (Meadow Park MS), 2nd Washington (Jason Lee MS), 3rd California (Elizabeth Hudson K-8), 3rd Maryland (Lake Elkhorn Middle School)

Technical display – 1st Oregon (Meadow Park MS), 2nd Washington (Jason Lee MS), 3rd Arizona (Montebello K-8)

Distance accuracy – 1st Washington (Jason Lee MS), 2nd California (Elizabeth Hud- son K-8), 3rd Oregon (Meadow Park MS)

Object relocation – 1st Washington (Jason Lee MS), 2nd New Mexico (Red Mountain MS), 3rd Arizona (Montebello K-8)

Design efficiency – 1st New Mexico (Red Mountain MS), 2nd Arizona (Montebello K-8), 3rd Washington (Jason Lee MS)

HIGH SCHOOL

Overall – 1st California (Dominguez HS), 2nd Colorado (Mountain Range HS), 3rd Arizona (Tucson HS)

Technical paper – 1st Colorado (Mountain Range HS), 2nd Pennsylvania (George Washington Carver Engineering and Sci- ence HS), 3rd California (Dominguez HS) Photo by Rick Cole Oral presentation – 1st Colorado (Moun- The New Mexico MESA staff sport their new black jackets and are ready to “rumble” in the 2015-2016 school year. From left tain Range HS), 2nd Pennsylvania (George to right, Central Inner Regional Coordinator Kimi Scheerer, Southwest RC Terry Ramirez, West RC (and mother of a new Washington Carver Engineering and Sci- baby girl) Shawndeana Smith, Southeast RC Betty Chancey, North RC Matt Solano, Accounting Technician Helena Kirkwood, ence HS), 3rd Arizona (Tucson High State Events Coordinator Anita Gonzales, Executive Director Toney Begay, Deputy Director Linda Andrews, Central Outer RC School) Rick Cole, IT Manager John Davis and North Central RC Nick Kunz. This close-knit staff, alternatively known as “La Familia, delights in working together as well as with teachers and students across the Land of Enchantment. Academic display – 1st Colorado (Moun- tain Range HS), 2nd Pennsylvania (George Washington Carver Engineering and Sci- ence HS), 3rd New Mexico (Mayfield HS) North Region Summer Highlights Matt Solano where students completed four different busy preparing for the 2015-2016 school Distance accuracy – 1st New Mexico (May- Algebra 2 topics. The students were able year researching STEM concepts for this NO Regional Coordinator field HS), 2nd California (Dominguez HS), to attend the Santa Fe Community College year’s competitions and activities and 3rd Arizona (Tucson HS) The forests are green and the prairies this summer where they participated in a making preparations for the many events are lush as northeast New Mexico enjoys ropes course. They also presented their that will take place during the year. Object relocation – 1st Pennsylvania one of its wettest summers ever. In fact, a completed projects at a symposium at Kirt- The North program will begin the school (George Washington Carver Engineering number of ranches between Las Vegas and land Air Force Base in Albuquerque July year with three new advisors. They have and Science HS), 2nd Oregon (Liberty Santa Rosa received more than 12 inches 23. Robertson students joined other MESA already been trained in MESA protocol HS), 3rd Arizona (Tucson HS) of rain between June 15 and August 15 - summer enrichment programs from around and prepared for the many challenges that nearly a year’s precipitation in just two the state to present their summer research will come their way. These three advisors Dexterity – 1st Arizona (Tucson HS), 2nd months. and participate in a series of STEM work- replace four veteran advisors who had to California (Dominguez HS), 3rd Colorado But some MESA students in the re- shops conducted by the Air Force Research resign their positions for various reasons. (Mountain Range HS) gion have also had a “verdant” summer. Laboratory. Dignitaries from the Air Force Their expertise and rapport with students The North region had one summer enrich- and the NM MESA Board of Directors also will be missed, but like the new growth Design efficiency – 1st California ment program that demonstrated abundant attended the sympsium to listen to student that follows bountiful rain, the new advi- (Dominguez HS), 2nd New Mexico (May- STEM growth amongst its participants. presentations and interact with students in sors bring fresh ideas and energy to the stu- field HS), 3rd Colorado (Mountain Range The Robertson High School MESA pro- a question and answer session. dents at their respective schools. Look for HS) gram conducted a Math enrichment class NO MESA staff and advisors were also North students to rock the competition!

VISION - Summer, 2015 3 Dancing with MESA and Life – Helena Kirkwood Rick Cole Again, being the adventurous spirit that CO Regional Coordinator she is, Helena made the rather spontaneous Famed actress and screen legend Audrey decision to resign from Operation Dignity Hepburn actually devoted more to and move to Albuquerque to pursue a job humanitarian causes than her renowned through the of an employment agency. entertainment career. This is all the more She connected with an agency in October, amazing considering she earned Academy, 2005, was referred to a job opening for an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and Golden Globe accounting technician with New Mexico awards – a feat unmatched by any of her MESA, applied for the job and was hired to contemporaries. Also considered one of begin November 17. The rest is as the best-dressed women of her generation, Helena became an integral part of the NM Hepburn coined the phrase, “Happy girls MESA family, bought a home and actively are the prettiest.” engaged with the culture of the city. This slogan hangs in the office of New “I absolutely love working for MESA,” Mexico MESA Accounting Technician exclaimed Helena. “The MESA teamwork Helena Kirkwood, who shares much in is outstanding. I am so impressed with the common with Hepburn. Both were born in caliber of my colleagues, their creativity, Europe (Hepburn – Belgium, Kirkwood – cohesion in working together and the com- Ireland), could speak multiple languages, mitment to organizational goals and the or- dance in multiple styles, appreciate good ganization’s ability to make a difference in fashion and fine food and dedicate them- the lives of students. selves to non-profit causes. However, only “One of the biggest differences between Kirkwood has experience with New Mex- Operation Dignity and MESA is that we ico MESA, where she has worked since see so many more results with MESA. November 17, 2005 Kids, even those from disadvantaged en- Helena was born into a large family in vironments, learn and grow and achieve Dublin in 1955. As they grew up, she and great things through MESA. So, the job many of her siblings spread across the is so satisfying. After all, education is the globe but retain close relationships in spite important thing beyond the basic ne- of often being separated by thousands of cessities of life. And MESA is stellar in miles. Helena left home at age 21 to move STEM education. It does so much to ben- to Munich, Germany on a whim. efit society.” “I had no specific plan,” explained Helena. Besides her passionate devotion to MESA, “It was simply an adventure.” Helena has become fervent about dancing. The 5-6 blonde did not speak German but Although she has danced since she was a found a job as a nanny during the day so child, Ms. Kirkwood has become especial- she could take language classes at night. ly active as a dancer in the Duke City. “It took about nine months before I could “I love the dancing community here,” speak fluently and began dreaming in Ger- stated Helena. “Albuquerque dancing is man,” Kirkwood recalled. worthwhile because it is a hotbed of vari- German fluency enabled her to get a job as ous types of dancing: West Coast Swing, a cashier at a restaurant where she met her Ballroom, Country Waltz, Argentine Tan- future husband, a charming American from go, etc. Truly, you could dance every night St. Paul, Minnesota. She then attended of the week if you wanted.” Photo Submkitted by Helena Kirkwood technical school in Germany learning com- In fact, there are some weeks where Helena NM MESA Accounting Technician Helena Kirkwood is good with numbers in the puter science in German. This enabled her is on the dance floor every night. She also office but fervently dances to all kinds of “numbers” as her favorite hobby. In fact, to land a job with an Israeli shipping com- dances in festivals and contests in other cit- Helena typically dances five days a week and travels the nation to participate in pany based in Munich, where she became ies, sometimes planning vacations around various dance events. Helena is pictured above dancing with Ed Scoglietti at an exposed to the politics of international busi- dance events. Helena notes that not only is Albuquerque Dance Club event. ness. Because of the Palestinian attack on the dancing fun but is an integral part of Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olym- health and fitness for this peppy 60-year pics, the company took every precaution to Oakland founded in 1852. rewarding as I began to appreciate life as old who has the energy traditionally asso- prevent sabotage of its business, including “I could have gone to any number of never before and became passionate about ciated with someone decades younger than x-raying every piece of shipped to the schools in the bay area, but I wanted to at- serving humanity.” herself. company office. tend a women’s university,” said Helena. In 1999, Kirkwood began working for Sparking such youth, Helena has no imme- Although she enjoyed her job and life in “I wanted to experience a `sisterhood’ and Operation Dignity, an Oakland-based non- diate plans for retirement. Germany, her husband was transferred I did. There was such great camaraderie profit agency begun in 1993 to minister to “I just want to continue to provide the best back to the United States and thus Helena among the students. I’m so glad I attend- homeless veterans and since expanding its support that I can so that the MESA staff found herself living in Silicon Valley, Cali- ed.” mission to serve any homeless citizen in can be the best, creative people they can fornia in the computer explosion that was Helena also pursued graduate studies in Alameda County (CA). be,” Kirkwood reflected. the 1980s. Helena worked in the high tech Creation Spirituality, an evolving phi- “I enjoyed working for Operation Dignity Helena was recognized for 10 years of ser- industry until her marriage dissolved some losophy (according to spiritual and getting to help the homeless,” Kirk- vice at a MESA retreat this summer and years later. Having no children, she then theologian Matthew Fox who initiated the wood remembered of her six-year tenure received an engraved Nambe bowl in her worked for a relational data base company movement in the 1970s) “integrates the with the agency. “However, it is tough honor. Indeed, the MESA staff is enthused until 1996 when Helena was confronted wisdom of Eastern and Western spiritual- working with the homeless. You don’t of- that this avid dancer, this passionate servant with the prospect of “move to San Diego ity and global indigenous cultures, with the ten see change.” so like Audrey Hepburn in many ways but or get laid off.” emerging scientific understanding of the During this time, Helena also dabbled in so special in her own unique ways, plans Helena again chose “adventure” and opted universe, and the passion of creativity. It is real estate investments as a way to supple- to continue “waltzing” with our organiza- to return to school to earn a bachelor’s de- both a tradition and a movement, celebrat- ment her income. She bought a small con- tion for many years to come. Truly, Helena gree in computer science. Ms. Kirkwood ed by mystics and agents of social change dominium in Oakland and also bought a Kirkwood is the New Mexico MESA ver- attended Mills College, a prestigious from every age and culture.” house in Boise, Idaho. She traveled to Al- sion of “My Fair Lady,” a role immortal- (ranked sixth in the West by U.S. News “This was a life-changing experience for buquerque to look at a possible purchase ized by Hepburn. and World Report) women’s university in me,” noted Kirkwood. “It was so richly and became enchanted with the Duke City. NM MESA Students Thrive During Space Camp Experience Provided by Northrop Grumman Albuquerque, NM – A rising 8th-grade adventure during their summer break. their use of STEM concepts in their class- diverse students in STEM is aligned with MESA student from Cleveland Middle Space Camp aims to inspire and mo- rooms. NM MESA is proud to partner with Northrop Grumman’s strong commitment School, Leola Begay, Truman MS MESA tivate the next generation of explorers, the Northrop Grumman Foundation, who to improve education and human services, Advisor Lynn Schuler and Belen MS scientists, teachers, and engineers. Space is “committed to expanding and enhancing and promote cultural awareness and diver- MESA Advisor Rhett Burt attended Space campers participated in a wide variety of the pipeline of diverse, talented STEM stu- sity.” says NM MESA Executive Director, Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center activities such as building and launching dents globally”. Toney Begay. in Huntsville, Alabama in July. rockets, simulating space travel prepara- “For the last several years, Tracie NM MESA is grateful to Tracie for seek- These NM MESA representatives were tion, and weightlessness experiences in the O’Geary, New Mexico MESA Board of ing opportunities for NM MESA students sponsored by The Northrop Grumman astronaut-training simulator. NM MESA Director, and her employer, Northrop and to Northrop Grumman for their sup- Foundation. The Space Camp is a summer advisors attended the Space Academy for Grumman, have been providing Space port. Similar opportunities will certainly be program in which students and teachers Educators, a program designed to give Camp opportunities to students and teach- sought next year for students and advisors from across the United States have the op- teachers an immersive learning experience ers of NM MESA. NM MESA’s mission who want to experience space science just portunity to experience the ultimate space and provide them with the tools to enhance of motivating New Mexico’s culturally like the astronauts.

4 VISION - Summer, 2015 Largest region, Southeast, will partner with NMMI for many events Betty Chancey which SE MESA schools get to partici- SE Regional Coordinator pate:

The 2014-15 school year is over and Sept 19 – Aviation and Fly-In: Students planning for another great year is in prog- may construct a model rocket to launch, ress. We were pleasantly surprised to learn fly a drone and fly a flight simulator. The that the Southeast Region had more stu- Civil Air Patrol will be on hand to do a dents in 2014-15 than any other NM region glider demonstration and allow students to with a total head count of 873 students. see inside their airplane. We plan to keep this record for the 2015-16 academic year as well! Sept 14 -20 Tentative time for the Inter- In visiting with my Advisors at our end of national Space Station Fly Over: MESA year Regional Advisors Meeting, I learned students are invited to the NMMI that most of my programs were in need Flight Program cadets in connecting to the of a locking cabinet to safely store tools, Space Station and be able to ask questions competition supplies, robots etc. I began etc. The Civil Air Patrol will also be part contacting possible donors in addition to of this event and have interactive activities my SE Region Advisory Board for help in with the students including planning the obtaining used equipment. Robby Gains, mission for a trip to Mars. a member of the SE Advisory Board, was able to get seven new metal cabinets do- Sept 30 – Free Teacher Workshop – nated for my programs from his employer, from 8am to 3pm: Any MESA teacher Holly Frontier Companies dba Navajo Re- may attend and receive materials to use in finery. They purchased these beautiful new the classroom. Attendees will hear stories cabinets for my schools. They are 3 feet from Medal of Honor recipients. Coffee wide and almost six feet tall with locks for will be provided in the morning followed the and bottom. Gary and Enid Smith by a Cadet March viewing and lunch at of Roswell donated their time, pickup, Bates. Students are invited to the evening trailer and gasoline to travel to Artesia to Lyceum when a Medal of Honor recipient pickup and deliver the cabinets. shares his story and students may ask ques- The Southeast Region is looking for- tions. ward to partnering with New Mexico Mili- tary Institute again this year in a number of Sept 28 – Oct 1 – Center for American events. NMMI will again the State Values at NMMI: Teachers can bring stu- MESA USA competition in April, 2016 dents to the Daniel’s leadership Center for and will also be providing the SE Region a 50-minute class presented by the Center with middle school and high school leader- Photo Courtesy of Betty Chancey personnel. There are eight different class- ship fieldtrips in September. Our MESA SE Coordinator Betty Chancey poses with Robert Boans, Assistant Plant Man- es to choose from. Please contact Major students love interacting with NMMI ca- ager of the Holly Frontier Navajo Refinery, and Becky Neal of Bryan Printers who Lee Ann Wade at [email protected] for dets and leaders at these types of events. provided a great discount for the purchase of storage cabinets for regional MESA more information on these events. There are four other NMMI events in programs. THANK YOU!!!!!! CI Highlights Include Off-Campus Learning Kimi Scheerer Education Officer Judy Stanley shared her CI Regional Coordinator knowledge of this amazing program while on tour. She helped our Albuquerque Pub- The Central Inner (CI) region finished lic School kids see the variety and creativ- the previous school year with multiple de- ity of STEM careers with her friendly na- lights. Read on to see how fun and easy it is ture and ability to connect with students. to integrate science, technology, engineer- For some groups, keeping it local worked ing and math (STEM) with school! out best. Several schools including Albu- Students got to enjoy the finality of their querque High School, Cleveland Middle academic year with some fabulous adven- School, East Mountain High School, Man- t u r e s z a n o around H i g h t h e School s t a t e . a n d E a s t Valley Moun- H i g h Photo by Rick Cole t a i n School NM Governon Suzanna Martinez addresses educators at the Annual NM STEM stu- c h o s e Symposium. NM MESA conducted workshops at the meeting. d e n t s to get trav- wild by MESA Impacts NM STEM Symposium e l e d visiting s o u t h the ani- Kimi Scheerer ing using bees & flowers to visit m a l s CI Regional Coordinator 4. Health Science with snacks and White a n d The 2nd Annual STEM Symposium, physical activity S a n d s keepers hosted by the NM Public Education Depart- 5. Utilizing technology on campus Na- at the ment (PED) at the Albuquerque Embassy to understand careers and curriculum, and tio n al City of Suites May 29-30, was a great success as 6. Systems science focusing on cells Monu- Albu- more than 400 educators from around the and community m e n t . quer- state came to learn more about STEM! They also covered ways to apply STEM Photo by Kimi Scheerer Stu- q u e ’ s Looking to network, learn, share and education to the diverse demographics and Cleveland MS students jump with joy after seeing a pregnant d e n t s B i o p a r k connect about the hot topics of STEM, cultures of NM. hippopotamus at the Rio Grande Zoo (Albuquerque Biopark). a n d Z o o . many educators acquired activities they Regional Coordinator Matt Solano pre- teachers Connect- can use in their classrooms. sented tips, techniques and opportunities learned about the geology, natural history ing with hippo keeper Brent Tretton just NM MESA hosted two of the multiple to use computer programming in schools. and unique features of the monument. Per- before the new baby was born proved to be workshops that were presented as a part of Using Alice Software, Matt guided educa- sonally, it was my first visit and I giggled an interesting insight into the career world the two-day affair. Regional Coordinators tors through the introductory skills of this and laughed as we sled down the dunes, of animal keepers. Rick Cole and Kimi Scheerer presented unique computer programming. Alice is in- flew my kite and tried to keep sand off our Finally, high school seniors within the educators with six STEM case study/les- teractive software that enables students to watermelon snacks. region qualified for nearly $19,000 of Loy- son plans designed to be low cost, hands on program objects, movements and tasks as Van Buren MS, led by the courageous alty award money. This money, provided and correlated to Next Generation Science part of building a video game. Matt shared Mrs. Aleli Colon, toured the Very Large to students after submitting their fall uni- Standards. Topics included: tips and skills to give students another way Array near Socorro. Getting to tour the versity/college transcripts, works to sup- 1. Collecting, graphing & analyzing to learn programming terminology and facility and chat with real technicians and port MESA students in their pursuit of data using demographics methods. The fun and interactive process engineers was a treat for the science-mind- STEM careers. Both MESA seniors and 2. Data interpretation with popula- of creating and objects across cyber land- ed middle schoolers. After packing a pic- their families were excited for the help in tion and climate scapes, and being “silly” with technology nic lunch and loading up in Albuquerque, launching their college careers! 3. Observation, vocabulary & label- was evident through the sound of laughter.

VISION - Summer, 2015 5 “STEAM” Power in the North Central Region Nicholas Kunz titled, Acoustics: The Science of Sound. a soccer game, but is refined to mimic os- Using this kit, workshop participants be- NC Regional Coordinator During the informational portion of the cillation of individual molecules. As they gan by hearing two oscillators simultane- Seeing the acronym STEAM may make workshop, facilitated by MESA North Cen- progressed through the activities, they - ously producing identical tones. When one one think of the superheated gaseous state tral Regional Coordinator Nick Kunz, stu- plored the transfer of sound through a solid tone is slightly altered, what happens? The of water. But it actually stands for Science, dents gained basic understanding of how a medium, the ability of sound to physically physical phenomenon known as “beating” Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathe- sound wave works, including vibration of move objects, the nature of tuning forks was explained and demonstrated. Then matics. This synthesis of art and traditional an object, oscillation of molecules in the and the relationship of size to frequency, students were turned loose to create their STEM education is quite apparent in the medium of transfer, movement of sound and finally they produced their own musi- own sounds and music, like creating inter- investigation of the science behind music. waves, etc. Students, who have played a sound. vals with different combinations of tuning For example, what are compression and musical instrument, related their experi- A company called littleBits Electron- forks, making musical patterns with the lit- rarefaction? What is oscillation and how ences to the physical phenomena that pro- ics has collaborated with KORG, a com- tleBits Micro Sequencer, and exploring the does change of speed affect it? How is a duce pitch and volume to those who had pany that makes musical instruments and auditory changes that occur when an enve- sound wave processed and recognized by no instrumental experience. Once this phe- audio electronics to produce the littleBits lope or filter is attached to an oscillator. the human body? Middle school students nomenon was understood by all, students Synth Kit. This pre-packaged kit makes All in all, it was a scientific explora- in NM MESA’s North Central Region in- got up, moved around, and had fun apply- a traditional analog synthesizer with in- tion of the auditory senses that changed vestigated the answers to these questions ing these principles! Participants created dividual circuits that attach to each other students’ perception of sound for the rest and many others at the end of last school a human sound wave, which began as a magnetically to produce “infinite combos of their lives. That is the power of MESA year, during an interactive workshop en- wave similar to those seen in the crowd at of audio, visual and sensory experiences.” learning!

Photos by Nick Kunz (Left) During a workshop at Santo Domingo Middle School, students experiment with tuning forks to create sounds of varying pitch. (Right) Students use components of a littleBits Synth Kit to create a wide variety of sounds and understand the scientific principles that determine how sounds are made and sensed. CO Summer Adventures Help Prepare for School Year PDC Preview Rick Cole MS, Andrea Jackson – Ernie Pyle MS, School’s Shelby Chavez spent all but two Nick Kunz CO Regional Coordinator Elizabeth Scharrer and Michael Romero – weeks of her summer traveling through- NC Regional Coordinator For students and teachers, summer is Rio Grande HS, Chelsea Servantes – Belen out the Western Hemisphere and beyond. As the long, warm days of summer be- ideally a time of rest and renewal amidst a HS and Juanita Silva – Belen MS. In ad- Other advisors were more domestic and gin to wane, and school begins anew, NM host of “fun” activities like vacation, play- dition, the CO region could be welcoming family-oriented while quietly preparing MESA is looking to prepare each MESA time and outings with family and friends. new advisors at Volcano Vista HS and Va- for another great year in the classroom and program and provide tools for student, ad- Sometimes, summer adventures include lencia HS. Details will be forthcoming in MESA activities. visor and school success. “camp.” Such was the case for MESA ad- future Vision newsletter articles. Even the CO Regional Coordinator Each of NM MESA’s regions will fa- visors Rhett Burt and Lynn Schuler. spent significant time preparing for the cilitate a Professional Development Con- Burt of Belen Middle School and new school year. Besides a plethora of of- ference (PDC), for advisors to preparae for Schuler, Truman MS lead advisor, attended fice duties and a variety of farm and vaca- the coming school year. The PDC typically Space Camp the last week of July while es- tion activities, Rick Cole attended summer focuses on providing in-depth understand- corting a seventh-grade Cleveland Middle workshops on forestry, wildlife biology, ing of the upcoming MESA Day competi- School student to the event. The camp, computer coding, newsletter management tion, and the tradition will continue again which has been a summer destination since and software-based organization. He is this year. So here’s a sneak peek! 1982, has trained more than 700,000 stu- eager to share workshop information with The day will begin with a review of the dents and teachers in matters relating to regional advisors and will do so throughout MESA Day Handbook. This will be a first space science, such as astrophysics, the en- the year as well as at quarterly RAMs. look at this year’s two MESA Day events: gineering of space travel and the effects of CO schools have numerous opportunities Prepared Design-Prosthetic Arm 2.0, and low-gravity environments on life process- to partner their students with several orga- On-Site Challenge-MESA FUNdamentals. es. Both Burt and Schuler brought home nizations during the upcoming year. This The new prosthetic arm challenge will in- a plethora of curriculum and lesson plan includes Cottonwood Gulch (wilderness volve the use of electronics and program- ideas to enrich their classroom and MESA adventures and related field sciences), the ming, so significant time will be spent exploring Arduino programming, working students this year. Some of these ideas will Socorro’s Virginia Chang explored United States Forest Service (workshops, with hands-on activities, and brainstorm- be shared at the Central Outer Regional Alaska during the summer. guest speakers, field trips and internships), Advisors Meeting (RAM) August 26. Intel (in-class engineering workshops) and ing ideas with colleagues. Each attending Several new advisors in the region will Other regional advisors who had ex- CNM Community College (workshops, advisor will receive a kit for his/her pro- be attending a RAM for the first time. NM ceptional summer adventures included guest speakers, field trips and dual-credit gram to be used by one of the program’s MESA welcomes the following advisors to John Davies of Los Lunas, who at 75+ enrollment). In addition, CO teachers can competing MESA Day teams. Finally, a bit their new positions: Sabra Smartt – Cibola years of age worked an internship at San- attend a two-day workshop on ocean ex- of time will be devoted to explaining and HS, Theresa Illgen – West Mesa HS, Marc dia National Laboratories. Socorro advisor ploration and research at the Albuquerque understanding MESA FUNdamentals.Stu- Montaño – Truman MS, Joe Hartsock – Virginia Chang spent part of the summer Aquarium conducted by the NOAA and the dents will EXPERIENCE learning in new John Adams MS, Julie Archuleta – Polk exploring Alaska while Truman Middle United States Naval Academy. and exciting ways using science and math.

6 VISION - Summer, 2015

Photo by Anita Gonzales While touring the Kennedy Space Center in Florida in April, the 2015 NM SIFT delegation plays with rockets in the foreground of rockets designed for space travel. 2015 SIFT a “blast;” 2016 SIFT will “explore history” Anita Gonzales The happy travelers included 34 students, they were able to calculate their own termi- EcoTours and then there was the food! State Events Coordinator four teacher advisors, and two MESA nal velocity and learn physics while indoor The 2016 Senior Incentive Field Trip is The annual NM MESA Senior Incentive staff from across the Land of Enchant- skydiving; they were able to explore Ken- scheduled for April 27-30, 2016 to Wash- Field Trip (SIFT) in April was a “blast” as ment. Students were selected based upon nedy Visitor Center and learn about space ington, . It’s also a once-in-a-lifetime students learned about rocketry at Cape their participation in MESA activities and explorations, aeronautics, and trajectory; opportunity to learn and have fun along- Canaveral among many other adventures. application essay responses. During the they were able to learn about ride design side some of MESA’s best students. Appli- In delightful subtropical conditions, a trip students experienced once in a lifetime and related engineering at Universal Stu- cations will be released in the fall semester group of 40 participated in the 2015 SIFT adventures: They went behind the scenes dios; they experienced the Florida ecosys- and have a completion deadline of early to Orlando and other Florida destinations. at Sea World to explore zoological careers; tem up close and personal through marsh December. DO NOT MISS OUT! The 2015 NM MESA Summer Enrichment program concluded with a symposium at the Air Force Research Laboratories La Luz Academy July 23. Students from around the state participated in the day-long event wich included showcasing research as demonstrated by particpants from Navajo Prep in the lower left photo. Indeed, this research was concluded just two weeks prior to massive contamination entered the San Juan River from an accidental spill at an abandoned mine 150 miles upstream in Colorado. Participants also play science jeopardy at the symposium as noted in the lower right photo. (Photos by Rick Cole)

Vision NM MESA Executive Director IT Manager Toney Begay John Davis Deputy Director Editor Linda Andrews Rick Cole State Program Coordinator Regional Coordinators Anita Gonzales Betty Chancey, Terry Ramirez, Shawndeana Smith, Rick Cole, Kimi Scheerer, Nicholas Kunz, Matt Solano

Vision is an electronic newsletter published quarterly by New Mexico MESA. It is published by the MESA staff as a public service to all stakeholders of NM MESA and the general public. Opinions are the views of the MESA staff and those who submit articles or letters to the editor on issues of concern, or in response to any material produced in the newsletter. Submissions can be made elec- tronically to [email protected]. The editor reserves the right to edit any submission for grammar, clarity, the omission of profanity or libelous material. All editing will retain author’s intent.