Introducing the Mars Odyssey Project: Pioneering STEM and CybersecurityEducation at Española Valley High School

Local middle school and high school students during beta testing of the Mars Odyssey project at Moving Arts in mid July.

~Moving Arts

Espanola, NM – Moving Arts Española is excited to announce the launch of the Mars Odyssey Project, an innovative initiative designed to revolutionize Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education with a special focus on cybersecurity. This groundbreaking project will be integrated into the Mathematics, Engineering, Science, Achievement (MESA) classes at Española Valley High School (EVHS), providing students with a dynamic and engaging learning platform.

Mars Odyssey is not just another educational program; it’s an immersive experience that brings STEM to life through the power of gamification. By incorporating hands-on activities with both software and hardware commonly used in today’s industry, the project aims to ignite students' interest in topics such as programming, web design, security best practices, 3D printing, and more. The interactive nature of the program ensures that learning is both fun and meaningful, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

The project includes a dedicated team of professionals including high school interns, NNMC college students, recent graduates, and seasoned professionals. This project structure provides valuable work based learning experiences, near peer support, and professional mentorship to aspiring STEAM students.

Leading the implementation of the Mars Odyssey Project in the schools for Moving Arts is Christopher Maestas, a versatile member of Moving Arts Española, who also teaches Hip Hop and Gymnastics and manages Light and Sound, among other roles. Christopher, who holds a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology and Engineering from Northern New Mexico College, brings his expertise and passion for technology to this initiative, eager to inspire and educate local youth. He will work in collaboration with the MESA teachers at EVHS–Lyne Salero and Janice Badongen Patel-e to bring the project to life in the classroom.

A key component of Mars Odyssey is its emphasis on cybersecurity. Students will be introduced to the potential dangers associated with various technologies and software, gaining essential skills in handling and protecting Personal Identifying Information (PII) and Sensitive Personal Identifying Information (SPII). This knowledge is crucial in today’s digital age, equipping students with the tools they need to safeguard their data in any future pursuit. 

The project’s first beta test, conducted in mid-July, was a resounding success. The positive feedback from participating teens has reaffirmed the project's approach and provided valuable insights for further refinement. As a result, the Mars Odyssey team is now preparing to deploy the first full iteration of the project at EVHS on October 10th, 2024 which means students get to play. With their feedback the Mars Odyssey game will continue to adapt and new challenges will be created.

“We are thrilled to see our students embark on this journey, exploring the fascinating world of STEM and cybersecurity through a lens of adventure and discovery,” said Christopher Maestas.

This exciting new educational experience is made possible through the generous funding from the Google Kids Initiative and the New Mexico Community Trust Technological Grant. Their support enables the Mars Odyssey Project to expand its reach and impact, bringing cutting-edge STEM education to the students of Española Valley High School.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to develop and grow this groundbreaking
initiative! For more information about the Mars Odyssey Project or to schedule an interview,
please contact:
Contact: Carmelita Archuleta , Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Email: carmelitaarchuleta@movingartsespanola.org
Phone: 844-623-2787