Something More to Explore Mobile Planetarium STEM

In early 2018 driven by a desire to help others Emmit Moore Jr. and his wife Louise had the vision to provide quality STEM education programs to youth and communities in underserved low to moderate income rural areas of West Texas. Via a mobile planetarium Emmit and Louise wanted to help prepare our youth for the 21st -century workforce by getting youth excited about math and science.

Emmit and Louise spent their entire careers in public service in Reeves County Texas.  Emmit was a Texas Department of Public Safety State Trooper- Highway Patrol Division for over 30 years. After retiring from DPS he served as a Reeves Co. Deputy for four years. Emmit was proud to serve and protect the citizens of Texas. Louise was a Juvenile Probation Officer for 24 years, a teacher for 7 years and a County Commissioner for 4 years. The Moore's have always volunteered in their community and tried to empower and help others. They believe in the motto that "it takes a village to raise a child".

Unfortunately, Emmit passed away in July 2018 before their vision of a STEM-based educational mobile planetarium was realized. Louise and their daughters (Susan and Catherine) and their family and friends are determined to make Emmit's dream a reality for the future of youth in rural areas of Texas. (Emmit loved science).

The United States Department of Education reports that STEM skills are vital in order for our young people to compete in a global economy. The National Science Foundation estimates that 80% of the jobs created in the next decade will require some form of math and science skills. It is imperative that ALL youth have an opportunity for a well-balanced education that includes STEM elements.

Schools in rural areas have tremendous challenges to overcome in their efforts to provide quality STEM education opportunities to their students. Geographic isolation, limited resources, reductions in funding, a lack of qualified teachers, misconceptions about STEM education and economic disadvantages are obstacles that stand in the way of successful STEM programs for students.

The Something More to Explore Mobile Planetarium will deliver a quality astronomy STEM experience right to the doorsteps of school districts, communities and other events in rural West Texas.

An inflatable dome and a high definition projector will bring the world to life in an environment that may peak students interest in science and the earth. Guest will be surrounded by stars and immersed in a 30 to 45 minute 3-D show that will take the participants on an amazing adventure around the universe. 

STEM education benefits students because they have an opportunity to participate in activities that will excite them and spark their interest in science. These experiences can inspire students to take more STEM-related classes and to enter into STEM-related careers.

CAPITAL BUDGET: 
Projector: $16,370-PURCHASED
Inflatable dome: $9,300-PURCHASED
Universal Software: $3,500
Banner Bottoms:$250
Ipad:$650
Nightshade Ng System:$9,000
High resolution datasets: $3,000

Total : $42,070

NON-PERSONNEL:
Offices Supplies: $2,000
Refreshments:$2,000
Educational materials:$2,000
Transportation: $12,000
Website: $1200
Content Curriculum development: $3500

Total:$22,700

PROGRAM TOTAL BUDGET: $64,770

The full cost of the program for the first year is $64,770  which includes capital expenditures (inflatable dome and 3D projector) and operating support for the project. 

(Pecos, Balmorhea, Kermit, Wink, Monahans, Ft. Davis, Fort Stockton, Presidio, and Marfa are some of the rural areas we plan to provide services to).

                                       PLEASE HELP SPREAD THE WORD
                                                                  AND
                                      HELP US REACH OUR GOAL!
                                       
                                          Thank you and God bless you.