As part of our continuing efforts to inspire and educate young minds, Cox recently co-sponsored the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy Junior Science Festival that offered nearly 400 kids the chance to explore the natural beauty of the Sonoran Desert and McDowell Mountains.
The festival featured a self-guided adventure that let students experience more than 16 interactive, educational booths which featured a look into the mysteries of the desert and the mountains and their wildlife. Many of the activities were also tied to the STEM curriculum taught in Arizona schools.
As part of our sponsorship, Cox partnered with the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy and ExplorMor Labs at ASU to provide each student with a packet of “Libraries of Life” cards that feature brand-new technology. “Each card has a different Sonoran Desert species on it,” shared JoLynn Houk from the Phoenix Community Relations team. “With the help of a free iTunes app, the images on the cards come to life in 3D on any Apple device.” Links to videos and fun facts about the animals and plants were also on each card to further stimulate learning.
The festival’s aim is to inspire students so they, in turn, support efforts to preserve and protect our fragile desert ecosystem. Thanks to our sponsorship of this important annual event, these elementary school students from around the Valley had the opportunity to learn about ecology, and their surrounding natural environment, in a fun and exciting way.
