On October 29th, the Coconino High School Robotics Team (2486), known as the Coconuts, hosted the “Diné People Are the Future” STEAM Fair at Luepp Elementary School. This event brought together a wide range of organizations from across Flagstaff and the Navajo Nation to celebrate science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Coconuts for organizing and leading this important event aimed at inspiring the next generation of Indigenous students in STEAM fields.
Founded in 2007, the Coconuts are an award-winning FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) team based at Coconino High School in Flagstaff, Arizona. They are known not only for their excellence in engineering and programming but also for their dedication to outreach and inclusion, particularly in rural and Native American communities. Their commitment to mentoring, spreading STEAM awareness, and expanding access to robotics education continues to have a profound regional impact.
The Four Corners Science and Computing Club (4CSCC), based at Northern Arizona University, was one of several participating organizations at the fair. Launched in 2021, 4CSCC is a community-centered initiative aimed at increasing awareness, confidence, and interest in scientific computing among students in Indigenous and underserved communities. The program specializes in hands-on workshops that explore coding, data science, environmental monitoring, and physical computing using accessible technologies.
At the fair, 4CSCC hosted a table exhibition that features a range of interactive STEAM activities and experiments designed to engage students, educators, and community members. Our booth included the Raspberry Pi 400 mobile computing kit, the BBC micro:bit, and our air quality lesson modules. These tools introduce students to real-world applications of scientific computing—such as measuring air pollution levels or understanding environmental sensor data—using beginner-friendly coding environments. Through projects like our micro:bit-based activities, students were able to visualize live sensor data and begin to understand how computing can directly relate to health, environment, and everyday problem-solving.
The event began with a brief student assembly and quickly transitioned into an evening filled with engaging demonstrations. Alongside 4CSCC’s exhibits, students enjoyed a live robotics demonstration from the Coconuts, showcasing the precision and creativity of their competitive robots. Other vendors shared activities on water filtration, radiation detection, and acid/base chemistry, offering students an expansive STEAM learning experience.
Overall, the event successfully fostered excitement and curiosity in STEAM education through accessible, hands-on learning. For 4CSCC, it was a valuable opportunity to share our growing student lab manual and expand our reach among schools and families in the Navajo Nation. Encouraging young learners to see themselves as scientists, programmers, and engineers builds long-term pathways toward educational and career opportunities in technology.
For more information about the Coconino High School Coconuts Robotics Team, visit their website HERE.
Click HERE more information about the Four Corners Science and Computing club.
View more 4CSCC collaborative efforts HERE.