TINY BITES OF EVERYTHING TO SEE, DO AND BUY IN ALBUQUERQUE
BROADENING HORIZONS
MAY 2022 | ALBUQUERQUE THE MAGAZINE
and provides mentors to really help them understand the various steps needed to stick with these different STEM classes, and then courses of study and careers,” Leigh says. “And that’s everything from highlighting the STEM in all of the construction trades, for example, you know, all the way through different programs at Air Force research labs with directed energy, alternative energy sources with local solar companies.” The studio will have a new exhibition called STEM In Burque. There is an entire suite dedicated to water resource management that Explora created in partnership with the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority. A makerspace in X Studio will provide an area where students can design and fabricate their own products and explore their entrepreneurial skills. Teens also will receive help preparing for their futures by getting assistance with college applications and grants as well as being able to participate in financial literacy classes —RM
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New exhibit areas and events are in full bloom at Explora. The Nature’s Notes exhibition, which is an outdoor exhibition, focuses on the various sounds that you hear in nature. In addition to the new exhibits, new and old programs are back including adult night. The next adult night, Tinkering: Make and Create, will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. on May 20. “We basically close down the building to our usual younger visitors,” says Kristin Leigh, Explora deputy director. “It’s an 18 and over night, you get all the exhibits to yourself. There’s a band, there’s food trucks, and it’s just a great date night or outing with friends. One of Explora’s largest events, New Mexico Science Fiesta, will be held June 11-18. The big finale on June 18 at Expo New Mexico will feature different organizations celebrating STEM in New Mexico. Also happening this summer, is the opening of the 8,000 square foot teen center, X Studio. “It connects them to the equipment, the programming, the people who are doing STEM in our neighborhoods,
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