Integrating the Hologram Zoo into the combined Visual Arts and Game Design CTE program and utilizing a staggered rollout can generate sustained excitement while reinforcing the broader educational goals of the Epic Family Entertainment Center (FEC) and the LAZR Learning Hub. Here’s how:

Integration into the Visual Arts and Game Design CTE Program:

1. Holographic Design and 3D Modeling: Students enrolled in the CTE program will have the opportunity to create and animate virtual animals and environments for the Hologram Zoo. The Unreal Engine, central to the FEC’s curriculum, will be used to build these assets. The process will teach students critical skills in 3D modeling, animation, lighting, and texturing. By working on real-world projects that will be showcased in the Hologram Zoo, students can gain experience that mirrors industry practices in game design, interactive media, and animation.

2. Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration: The integration of the Hologram Zoo into the CTE program offers collaborative opportunities across various disciplines. Visual arts students can focus on the aesthetics of the holographic animals and environments, while game design students handle programming, interaction mechanics, and physics simulation. Together, they will create an interactive zoo experience where visitors can engage with holograms using Unreal Engine-powered features like motion tracking and AI-driven behaviors.

3. Project-Based Learning: The Hologram Zoo would serve as a large, continuous project that students can work on as part of their CTE curriculum. By contributing to the zoo, students will follow a structured design process—from ideation and prototyping to final product development—gaining skills in project management, team collaboration, and iteration. This aligns with industry standards, giving them real-world experience.

4. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR): In addition to physical holograms, students can develop AR and VR applications that allow users to experience the zoo on different platforms. This encourages the development of a multi-platform skillset, where students learn to optimize their work for different devices and interfaces, critical in both visual arts and game design sectors.

 

Staggered Rollout for Engagement:

1. Phase 1: Early Teasers and Limited Exhibits: The initial rollout could focus on a few holographic animals or environments, perhaps as a preview for both students and the public. These could be smaller exhibits, where students can see the immediate results of their work. Simultaneously, this could attract local interest and give students a sense of ownership and pride in the project. Public interest would begin to grow, especially as the community sees the first glimpses of what the full Hologram Zoo could become.

2. Phase 2: Workshop and Expansion Involvement: Once the zoo gains traction, the next stage could involve larger exhibits and workshops where students and adults can learn more about the holographic design process, encouraging hands-on involvement. These could be offered as part of the Epic FEC’s broader program. By engaging the community in creating their own small holograms or learning Unreal Engine basics, excitement around the project will deepen. The workshops can also serve as recruitment tools for the visual arts and game design programs at the LAZR Learning Hub, drawing in new talent.

3. Phase 3: Public Launch and Full Experience: The final stage would be the full launch of the Hologram Zoo with a more expansive set of exhibits, perhaps themed areas or interactive spaces where the public can interact with the holographic animals in more complex ways. This release could be paired with major promotions, tying in with other Epic FEC features like XR (Extended Reality) activities or VR-based gaming competitions. The staggered release ensures that excitement builds over time, keeping both students and the public eagerly anticipating the next phase of the zoo.

 

Benefits of Staggered Rollout for Student and Adult Engagement:

1. Sustained Curiosity and Participation: A staggered rollout keeps students and adults engaged by continually offering new elements to explore. Each phase introduces a new level of interactivity or complexity, creating an evolving project that feels dynamic and alive. Students stay excited as they see their work featured in each new phase, while adults and visitors become repeat customers, coming back to see what’s new.

2. Real-World Development Process Insight: By gradually introducing new features and elements, students learn the importance of iterative development—a key aspect of both game design and visual arts production. The phased rollout mimics real-world software development, where updates and expansions keep products fresh. This allows students to experience and understand release cycles, user feedback, and continuous improvement.

3. Interlinked Promotions and Programs: The excitement surrounding each new phase of the Hologram Zoo can be used to highlight other aspects of the Epic FEC and LAZR Learning Hub. For example, a new zoo exhibit could be paired with promotions for upcoming game design or visual arts workshops. Cross-promotions will generate interest in the full scope of the center’s offerings, from Unreal Engine development courses to game testing events for the Ctrl V arcade.

4. Building a Supportive Community: The phased approach helps create a community of supporters who feel connected to the zoo and its progression. Engaging adults, local businesses, and even sponsors in each phase fosters a sense of belonging and investment. This community involvement strengthens the FEC’s ability to sustain growth and funding, as local advocates become key contributors and promoters of the center.

By integrating the Hologram Zoo into the Visual Arts and Game Design CTE program and rolling it out in phases, you not only provide a strong educational experience but also build sustained excitement and anticipation. This approach draws attention to the diverse opportunities available at the Epic FEC and LAZR Learning Hub, keeping students and adults engaged as the project evolves.