I have a question for you. What are you reading this on? A cellphone? A laptop? A tablet? Whatever it is they all have something in common,  they are all forms of technology! Did you know that everything we use has technology associated with it? Think about it. Technology was used to make it, make it function or improve it. Technology also comes in various forms and sizes. For example, technology can be simple like a laser or as complex as a computer. This field of study is growing so rapidly. Companies are constantly creating new positions in this expanding field. They want new ideas for products or improvements to make our lives better. These new ideas can be dreamed up by anyone and everyone is able to imagine right? Right! If you think you are unable to study and pursue a job in a technology related field, then you are wrong! If you apply yourself and reach for your dreams you can do anything. Just look it up on the internet ;)

Science, we start learning and exploring the subject at a very early age. Think about it! When we were young we observed, questioned and explored the world around us. So why by high school, only 16% of seniors are interested in science? In todays society we think of science as classes we take in school such as biology, chemistry, and physics and thats it. But its so much more than that. Science is all around us. Plants growing, humans eating, experiments its all science. A couple reasons why students don't get involved in science any more is because of the lack of guidance and understanding. Science isn't just the subjects and the grades we get on exams. It is how the world goes around... literally. Some students find the subjects incredibly hard. With that being said some do not want to put in the effort of gaining the knowledge. However, if teachers and the students work together these students should at least find one topic that sparks their interest. And with that topic 

Yes, science can be hard because of all the open ended questions that sometimes have no correct answer, but it can also be fun! All of the experiments with chemicals reacting making stuff light on fire, emitting cool light, making loud noises and so much more. There is so much more to science then most realize. Some don't think they are a scientist, however every one of us are. 

This week, four Girl Scouts had some fun with cars! Through Ford Motor Companies STEAM education program, these girls raced their own hand made cars on the Today Show! It's so important to inspire other children that they can do anything by putting their passion and mind into it! How many of you would love to make cars and race them? #STEM

https://lm.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fon.today.com%2F2kcw7jb&h=ATME432OQY9fSvrl4AmXhmwCVDI-a77-F5fYhSc0PeVLTIAM7UbPRRtXe6YDBeO5jxF2ywtRiSHRORQ2MioMy71Du_PlxWOl5ftONOnJY3_mlk6pQKqsBbc0Qe6xFZizLQ&enc=AZOuGdspDgUpLja1yu_6_GcByXCQV7m3TRSqvDUaMiG2-GDugHAHH7Wf7cOLttymiUZbpRu81HhON6A41pcp2vCtD8kZzdWBf-bk9_bq8Yi3tHMI_yT-vTKcDO0xbjgyqQvDnODcKM2qwERJfwJAfq4HpuvfgSPteQITtUvysjqoGzaqk2usbtH-1VfVv2CQEAc&s=1

      Yesterday I had the chance to attend the 10th anniversary of Jefferson Community College's  Super Science Saturday. It was so much fun! I got to interact with the engineering students, build LED lights, watch a 3D printer, and learn about circuits.  I also learned about the Army's bomb suit and their bomb disarming robots. There were so many exciting exhibits!  There were even some exhibits with animals, like the world's smallest type of owl.
      Not only were there cool exhibits to look at, there were  amazing people behind the scenes making everything run smoothly.  I got the chance to speak with the professor of engineering, Genn Pond. I asked her how she thought  we can get more children involved with engineering or STEM subjects. She said it was all about making it fun and letting children see that these subjects are interesting. Once they see these subjects are interesting, then they will usually continue their education in the harder subjects.
      After talking to the professor, I got to watch the "Chemistry Magic" Show with Dr. James Peploski of Clarkson University.  It was so awesome! There was lots of fire, big bangs and unexpected reactions. Also, I got to introduce myself and my platform before the show started.
       I would like to thank everyone who made yesterday possible. Seeing events like this and watching children enjoy them so much makes me even more passionate about my platform. Keep your roots grounded but Bloom from your Stem.

This week has been filled with so many emotions. This past Sunday, I was crowned Miss Southern Tier in Corning!  This means I will competing at Miss New York in May. Although I am excited to compete, I am more excited to teach people about my platform, Bloom Through Your STEM. Throughout the year I will be traveling to science museums, classrooms and other organizations to show children how beneficial these subjects are . If you would like to follow me on my journey please like and follow my Facebook page at "Brianna Lockwood- Miss Southern Tier 2017 and my Instagram at "misssoutherntier2017".

Happy New Year everyone! I hope 2017 brings you and your loved ones laughter, joy and amazing opportunities. School resumes this week and so does learning about STEM subjects.  Children will  have the opportunity to learn about the  exciting things and ideas that the world has to offer. I remember, when I was younger, I loved watching science experiments.  I loved all of them; the  simple ones like making putty or complex like watching a chemical reaction happen between copper sulfate and zinc. However, not all children have the same appreciation for science as I do. Although this is perfectly okay, we should give each child the same chance to experience these subjects. One way to introduce the "S" in STEM is to try science experiments at home! Below are a couple links to super fun and easy projects!
http://www.playdoughtoplato.com/kids-science-crystal-names/
http://athriftymom.com/skittles-experiment-melting-magic-quick-easy-science-projects-kids/
http://thehappyhousewife.com/homeschool/summer-cloud-science/#_a5y_p=2113691

STEM subjects can be seen as difficult and not interesting, however, you should give them a chance.

Being a dancer, I have leaped, turned, and done other seemingly complicated moves for years. But, I didn't know about the science of dance until a couple years ago. There are physics, and math elements in every move a dancer does! This amazing ESPN video explains the science behind dancing with the performers in The Lion King-Musical:

https://www.facebook.com/TheLionKingUSA/videos/10155140384387580/?autoplay_reason=all_page_organic_allowed&video_container_type=0&video_creator_product_type=2&app_id=2392950137&live_video_guests=0