Page 7 - 2013 AISES Annual Report Flipbook

Intertribal Middle School Science BowlAISES was proud to host the 3rd Annual Intertribal Middle School Science Bowl in conjunction with the National American Indian Science and Engineering Fair and EXPO, March 21-22, 2013 in Albuquerque, New Mexico at the Albuquerque Convention Center. The Science Bowl is an academic competition that tests students’ knowledge in all areas of math and science. Students were quizzed in a fast paced question-and-answer format similar to that of a popular TV quiz show. Competing teams were chosen from Tribal communities around the nation and were composed of four to five students and a teacher who serves as an advisor and coach.Profile — Yolanda FloresHigh School HeroNavajo Preparatory School teacher Yolanda Flores has a special gift. It’s one she thought she shared only with her students. But a gift this special could not go unnoticed. Flores’ inspiring talent earned her more than popularity, it also earned her the Arizona Junior Science and Humanities Symposium 2014 Outstanding Teacher Award.Her dedication to engaging Navajo students in science and technology fields goes beyond the classroom. According to an article in Farmington’s The Daily Times, Flores said, “It’s not only classroom teaching, it’s the experience I want them to have. I want everybody to do a science fair project on their interests. From there, they will learn how to experience lab techniques and investigating the world around them.”Flores was surprised by the award. In the article, she states, “I did not expect any award. I was expecting awards for my kids because I want them to succeed and gain confidence from all this hard work.”Flores believes in exploring new tactics and trying new methods to give her students the chance to succeed. One of her efforts has been to increase campus science activities. She even re-started Navajo Prep’s science fair in 2013 after a 15 year break.The new and improved science fair was held in Galllup, New Mexico where students competed in categories such as biology, behavioral science, and chemistry. Bringing the fair back was such a big accomplishment that it was covered in the The Daily Times.According to the article, Flores, who teaches physics and biology, assigned projects at the beginning of the school year and often stayed late, working with her students as they did their research and focused on the scientific process.She told the reporter, “I saw the potential in all the kids. They are very eager to participate and this is something we need to bring out in the kids...they were very receptive to it.”At the 2013 Fair, Flores’ students placed first in all seven categories (there were no students who competed in the Animal category). Moments like these show how Flores’ fresh avenues and innovative approaches engage her students and provide them with new opportunities in the STEM fields.Her award for Outstanding Teacher includes $500, which Flores plans to invest in classroom materials. Clearly, she also plans to keep investing herself in the future of her students. And that is absolutely priceless.5Pre-College Profile