The STEMarts Bootcamp at UNM-Taos HIVE is the kick-off event for the STEMarts apprentices who will meet for the first time in person 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.  For the science portion we will have guest scientists in the fields of astrophysics, particle physics, space science, space policy and futures thinking. (TBD).

Apprentices will be part of designing the Taos Chapter of the first New Mexico Youth Space Program. Through meaningful connections with experts in the space field, apprentices will explore topics such as astrobiology, astrophysics, particle physics, satellite design and space environmentalism coupled with new media artists exploring cutting edge tools for personal expression, science communication and visualization. Apprentices learn to actively shape the future direction of space exploration as we enter the second space age. 

This workshop will guide you through the steps of building your own website using Weebly. We will share examples of professional websites and blogs as inspiration and share tips for creating and managing your blog. We will help you make the decision of what to include in your website 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. You will learn how to create a STEMarts blog to document your experiences as a STEMarts apprentice. Your new website will be linked to the STEMarts website and will serve as your professional portfolio beyond the workshop.

As apprentices you become part of the Space Messengers installation team and the STEMarts Ambassador program. You will enter our custom platform called the Space Board to write your “space messages” which become part of the final installation as part of the Space Messengers curriculum. Develop your science literacy by exploring the universe through the lens of particle physics, astrophysics, space science, native science and space policy. Learn to create sci-art video clips that are entered into the Space Messengers Design Challenge. Winning designs and videos become part of the final installation.

XR (Extended Reality) experts will lead exciting content creation workshops in Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), creative coding, and interactive art. These will be in person at Bootcamps as well as virtual workshops to provide hands-on learning experience with cutting edge new technologies.

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 chaperones will be together in a private shuttle so we can share experiences.

In these months we are planning, coordinating and rehearsing for the Space Messengers installation which will be presented at designated venues. You will meet the creative team behind the Space Messengers installation. We will assign you to training and tasks based on your developing skills to deepen your knowledge in these areas. You will learn how to plan, install and man the sci-art stations at our fall festivals. You will be working in the focus area i.e. VR station,  social media/web development, interactive silhouette station, Avatar scientist etc. During the festival event, you will serve as “experience guides’ and assist with the install and break down.

As our final field trip we will visit Meow Wolf in Santa Fe to explore the art, science and technology behind this immersive installation. As our closing in-person event we will celebrate our year together and share our plans for the new year.

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 as a trained STEMarts Ambassador receiving stipends as experience guides at festivals, mentors to new apprentices or instructors at Bootcamps.