On August 19, 2024, in partnership with the Office of Miss Navajo Nation,the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Legacy Management, hosted the Miss Navajo Nation STEM Day at Tuba City Boarding School in Tuba City, Arizona. The event welcomed Amy Reeves-Begaye, Miss Navajo Nation 2023-2024, and approximately 400 students in grades 4–8 for a day of hands-on STEM activities and demonstrations designed to inspire interest in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
As lead instructor for the Four Corners Science and Computing Club (4CSCC) invites and outreach events allow me to showcase the curriculum developed. The 4CSCC was founded in 2021 and based at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Arizona, and is a community outreach and education initiative focused on increasing awareness of scientific computing among Native American students in the Four Corners region. 4CSCC provides youth with hands-on learning opportunities centered on coding, physical computing, and environmental data collection. Its mission is to demystify technology by connecting computing with real-world applications that are both culturally relevant and community-centered.
As lead instructor and program coordinator for 4CSCC, I lead a series of interactive presentations highlighting projects developed by the club. These sessions explored how STEM is applied across various careers, emphasizing practical applications of physical computing for environmental monitoring. Students engaged with the 4CSCC Raspberry Pi Mobile Kit and participated in experiments using the micro:bit, including a hands-on activity where students measured wind speed using the micro:bit’s LED display. Another highlight was a demonstration of the micro:bot and micro:controller, which drew strong interest for its simplicity and adaptability. Students learned how attaching environmental sensors to such devices could turn them into data collection tools — an introduction to how computing intersects with environmental science.
In addition to showcasing technical skills, the sessions reinforced the connection between STEM education and critical environmental issues affecting the Navajo Nation, such as uranium mining impacts, wildfires, and illegal waste burning. By linking these topics to students’ lived experiences, 4CSCC encouraged participants to see themselves as future problem-solvers and advocates within their communities.
We extend our appreciation to all event organizers, participants, and especially the students who engaged with the 4CSCC projects. Their curiosity and enthusiasm reflect the heart of our mission — fostering a deeper connection to STEM through culturally relevant, hands-on education.
Click HERE more information about the Four Corners Science and Computing club.
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