LOS LUNAS — Meta is partnering with the New Mexico Museum of Natural History & Science (NMMNHS) to sponsor five years of space science-themed field trips for fifth grade students in Valencia County.
“One of the strengths of our museum is its educational programming, and we’re thrilled that this partnership makes these programs more accessible to Valencia County students and families,” said NMMNHS Executive Director Dr. Anthony Fiorillo in a recent press release.
The field trips, which began in early February, are centered around space science with the goal of getting more students interested in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
“If you think of everything happening now with Virgin Galactic down in Truth or Consequences and all these other space companies, I think a lot of Americans have this renewed interest in space,” said David Williams, the community development manager at the Meta Data Center in Los Lunas. “So this really made sense of how we can emphasize STEM and new opportunities for students.
“STEM nowadays is so incredibly important for students as they look into careers and go into college, and this provides students who may have otherwise not had the opportunity to even drive to Albuquerque to have an experience like this.”
As part of their partnership with each class, the museum will provide pre and post visit resources for teachers to prepare students before the trip and have continuation of research and learning afterwards.
“So it’s not just a fun field trip, but a field trip that emphasizes these core competencies students are focused on in a classroom,” said Williams.
Williams said the emphasis on fifth-graders is due to third through fifth grade being the formative grade levels for students to get interested and stay involved in STEM throughout the rest of their academic career.
“At Meta, one of our focuses is on supporting STEM education in our data center communities,” he said. “Not only does STEM-based learning help prepare students for future careers in tech and beyond, it also helps them develop important life skills, such as being curious and creative problem-solvers.”
Through the partnership, an estimated total of 256 classes from throughout Valencia County will get to attend these field trips during the program’s five-year duration. The opportunity to attend will be open to all fifth grade public and private students.
Students will be treated to a planetarium show, hands-on activities in the museum’s space science galleries and a visit to a new virtual reality station in the museum’s education wing.
Meta’s $300,000 grant to the museum will allow all Valencia County and Isleta Pueblo residents to attend the museum and its planetarium for free every February for the next five years. As of late February, more than 3,840 county residents visited the museum for free.
“The museum will also be working with all the local libraries in Valencia County to offer expanded programming as well around space science,” Williams said. “Soon, folks can pop into their local library for curated programs that will be rolling out later this year.”
To date, Meta has invested more than $3 million in community support through partnerships with local schools, small business investments and the data center’s annual community action grant program.
“We’re certainly excited to call Los Lunas home,” Williams said. “We’re really focused on the long term success and vitality of Valencia County, and I think this is a step in that continuation.”
Felina Martinez was born and raised in Valencia County. She graduated from the University of New Mexico in 2021. During her time at UNM, she studied interdisciplinary film, digital media and journalism. She covers the village of Los Lunas, Los Lunas Schools, the School of Dreams Academy and the town of Peralta.
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April 18, 2024
