Explora`s EPA Planting Seeds of STEM and Stewardship grant has us working with community schools and partners in many ways! Explora delivered a lesson on watersheds to students at Moriarty Elementary, Alvarado Elementary, and Valle Vista Elementary. It included a watershed activity from the Asombro Institute for Science Education`s "New Mexico Climate Champions" curriculum. Explora added a real-world connection to the pinto bean farm terracing outside near Moriarty, waffle gardens at Zuni Pueblo, and field grading near South and North Valley acequias.⁠

The First Robotics Competition team at Explora has been busy in the off season learning about the different aspects of the competition. The team has completed business training from a marketing expert, learned about power tools and shop safety from the Explora exhibits team, and continued building their CAD/programming skills from mentors from Sandia National Laboratories. ⁠
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After winning Rookie of the Year in spring 2024 at the First Robotics Competition in Tulsa, OK, we are excited to see how they do during the 2025 season which kicks off in January!

Thanks to the incredible support of community leaders, partners, donors, board members, and staff, we were thrilled to break ground at Brillante Early Learning Center earlier this week! ⁠
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As New Mexico’s first museum-based STEAM early childhood education center, Brillante will offer a hands-on learning experience and care for children while providing real-world training for our future Early Childhood educators.⁠
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We’re excited to help build brighter futures for children, families, and our community!⁠