Desert Wind Middle School science students recently immersed themselves in the world of STEM – science, technology, engineering and mathematics – with an “out of this world” experience.  

The event, organized by DWMS staff members Michaella Banate and Marinelle Santos, marked the culmination of the students’ inter-grade STEM projects. 

Students at Desert Wind Middle School celebrated STEM Day on May 18. [submitted]
Desert Wind’s STEM club set up multiple space stations, complete with staff members dressed up as astronauts and students sporting alien props.  

The middle schoolers created nebulae in a jar, pipe cleaner constellations and “oobleck,” a fluid made out of cornstarch and water. 

At another station, they tackled the challenge of constructing alien DNA models, applying their knowledge of physical and chemical properties. 

Students at Desert Wind Middle School participate in a STEM Day activity. [submitted]
Banate also highlighted the “Taste of the Milky Way,” where students caught a glimpse of the galaxy by reimagining the celestial object in a bag filled with ice cream.   

Fred, a Spherobot utilized by the STEM club, made an appearance, offering students an introduction to basic robotics using Sphero technology.  

Following the May 18 event, Banate thanked the generous donors to the STEM program at Desert Wind including ASU STEM and the Diamondbacks STEM Grant.  

Cameron Jobson, Reporter
Cameron Jobson, Reporter
Cameron is the education reporter for InMaricopa. She joined the team in the beginning of 2023, after graduating from the University of Arizona with a BA in Journalism and English. Previously, she reported for the Tucson Weekly, El Inde News and edited for Pine Reads Review. When she's not hammering away on the keyboard, Cameron enjoys reading psychological thrillers, watching reality TV and playing guitar hero.

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