Program Agenda 2023
I. JANUARY- MAY
STEMarts Lab Orientation
In this virtual workshop you will learn about the Space Messengers project. You will see how we work together virtually and how each creative member has their unique role and contribution. You will learn about the technologies and software that we use with the opportunity to learn more in the areas that peak your interest. We will take you through the history of the project and fill you in on the timeline for the upcoming events and countries, where we will be presenting the Space Messengers installation, and what your role will be in each phase of the project.
STEMarts Bootcamp: Apprentices pave the way!
This STEMarts Bootcamp at UNM-Taos HIVE is the kick-off event for the STEMarts apprentices who will meet for the first time for the full day hands-on workshop with in-person and virtual guest instructors.
Introduction to history and future of VR technologies followed by a hands-on training with Oculus Quest headsets (how to use it, proper use and care of Oculus headsets). Digital Ant Media will cover principles of virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and extended reality (XR) technologies. There will be a hands-on portion of the workshop where apprentices will get to experience various applications of these technologies.
Apprentices, Alyson Martinez and Amelia Martinez, will lead a one-hour session on how to paint in 3D with Multibrush inspired by the science activities from earlier sessions. Plus guest visit by astrophysicist, Dr.Nicole Lloyd-Ronning.
Create your own website/portfolio
This workshop will guide you through the steps of building your own website using Weebly. We will help you make the decision of what to include in your site to represent your interests and strengths, and we will share tips on how to update your site as you grow and develop new skills and interests. Your new website will be linked to the STEMarts Lab GIS Storymap as a STEMarts Apprentice.
Space Messengers Design Challenge
As apprentices you become part of the STEMarts Ambassador program, go through the Space Messengers curriculum, and participate in the Design Challenge. You will learn to create science visualization video cips that are entered into the Space Messengers Design Challenge with opportunities to win prizes and travel awards.
ArcGIS Storymapping
This workshop led by John DiRuggierro, Community Learning Network, will teach you how to create interactive data driven maps using the ArcGIS software. You will then apply this skill to work with the new Space Messengers Storymap which will track all the people, places, stories and events of the Space Messengers project as it travels around the world. Upon successful completion of this workshop you will be eligible for ArcGIS internships and job placement.
VR 360video Creation Storytelling
Digital Ant Media will lead a 2-hour VR content creation workshop on the principles of VR filmmaking and animation. You will create a VR video using NASA video and images, and will learn how to stitch together assets for creating VR content. There will also be a second follow up session via Zoom to complete the training.
JUNE-AUGUST
XR/Metaverse Design
This STEMarts Bootcamp will introduce you to the STEMarts Metaverse, Oculus VR software and VR platforms which we will use for the VR station for the Space Messengers Global VR event. You will learn how to set up and maintain The STEMarts VR station for our public events and how to moderate Space Messenger events as an Avatar. In this workshop you will also learn to use software such as Real Player Me to design your own custom Avatars and VR objects for the Space Messengers, and then teach younger students how to do it, how to join the VR platform and how to interact with the live audience at the Festivals.
Space Field trip
In the summer, we will take an exciting full day field trip to visit the Q Station, a space tech incubator in Nob Hill, Albuquerque. We will get a private tour led by Director, Randy Trask to learn about career pathways in the space industry. Afterwards, we head to the Frontier restaurant around the corner for breakfast together, and then drive out to the Very Large Array in Socorro. There we will receive a private tour led by Summer Ash, Astrophysicist and STEAM Coordinator who will also lead a STEAM activity. We have a snack before heading back home! On the journey, all apprentices and chapearones will be together in a private shuttle so we can share experiences and journal.
SEPTEMBER-DECEMBER
Space Messengers: Design and Build
During this time the STEMarts creative team will be working on finalizing the design for the Space Messengers installation which will be presented at events in Guadalajara Mexico, Santa Fe, New Mexico and Taos, New Mexico. We will assign you to training and tasks based on your developing skills to deepen your knowledge in these areas.
This STEMarts Bootcamp is a full day hands-on workshop to train apprentices and new ambassadors on how to install and man the VR Station at our fall festivals.
Space Messengers Install@Festivals
In these months we are planning and coordinating with the festival/museum directors to bring the Space Messengers installation to the venues. You will be working in the focus area you have chosen i.e. VR station, Space Messages/Silhouette creation, social media/web development, interactive art, etc. During the festival event, you will serve as "experience guides' if in person at the projection site, at one of the VR Stations, or virtually as Avatar moderators if the festival or VR Hub is outside of your city.
Reflect on what's next
The final month of your apprenticeship will focus on one-on-one meetings that guide you through the process of reflecting on your experiences and exploring what you would like to do next. We present opportunities for continued internships and/or job-placement that focus on your areas of interest. You are also eligible to continue with STEMarts Lab team in year two and as a mentor to the new apprentices.
