Angelo State University partnered with Groove Jones to develop immersive digital experiences for the ASU Mobile STEM Innovation Lab, designed to inspire middle and high school students across West Texas to explore future pathways in STEM. The goal was to take complex subjects and present them in a way that felt engaging, relatable, and directly connected to real-world careers.
As part of this initiative, Groove Jones developed a large-format interactive touchscreen experience that combines storytelling, education, and career exploration into a cohesive, student-driven journey.
The Experience
This STEM module is presented on a 65-inch touchscreen display, creating a highly visible, approachable station within the mobile lab environment. Students can walk up, tap “Start,” and immediately begin exploring.
They are introduced to eight STEM Heroes, each representing a different career path across fields like biology, agriculture, engineering, and computer science.
Once a student selects a hero, the experience shifts into a dynamic comic book format, where the story unfolds through animated panels. Each STEM Hero experience is structured as a narrative journey designed to balance storytelling with education. The experience begins with an introduction to the character and their profession, followed by an educational segment that explains key concepts within that field.
From there, the story unfolds through animated comic panels, presenting a real-world challenge that the character must solve.
In West Texas, solving a problem usually matters more than having a superpower. These characters represent the technical grit you’ll find at Angelo State, where a degree in Agriculture or Biology gives people like Sofi the rancher or Diego the biologist the “vision” to keep the land healthy and our community safe.
Whether it’s Jordan using Computer Science to lock down a digital network or Ana visualizing structural blueprints through Engineering, these aren’t just abilities; they’re real-world tools used to protect their neighbors. When students learn to spot patterns and build solutions, they’re doing more than just studying; they’re becoming the person who knows exactly what to do when it matters most for their town.
As students move through the narrative, panels are unlocked and the story progresses. After key moments, students are prompted with knowledge-based questions tied directly to what they just learned. The story continues with additional scenarios and a second question, reinforcing comprehension through interaction before leading into a final animated sequence.
Diego’s Story: Biology in Action
Diego is a Biologist and a hero whose story centers on using advanced biosensor technology to detect microscopic threats and chemical contaminants invisible to the naked eye. His deep understanding of microbiology and ecology allows him to identify the root causes of environmental crises, protecting the community’s water and natural resources from toxic hazards.
Diego’s story begins near the Rio Grande by El Paso, where he uses his tablet to trigger a biosensor scan of a mysterious green film on the water.
By mapping atrazine hotspots and cyanobacteria blooms, he coordinates with city officials to deploy biological filters, transforming raw data into a targeted solution that restores the safety of the river for his neighbors.
As the student learns about Diego’s adventure and answers the questions, they activate a final story moment that showcases a full-screen animated sequence, reinforcing both the narrative and the real-world impact of his work.
Career Exploration Layer
After completing the storyline, students transition to a career exploration screen that expands beyond the selected hero.
Here, they can explore additional professions such as:
- Biologist or Environmental Scientist
- Lab Technician
- Physician Assistant, Dentist, or Medical Doctor
- Wildlife Biologist or Park Ranger
Each career profile provides insight into:
- Responsibilities and day-to-day work
- Required education and degrees
- Salary ranges and job outlook
- Texas-based opportunities and employers
These career cards connect the academic journey directly to real-world outcomes, helping students understand how a degree can translate into a meaningful career in their region.
Conclusion
The STEM Heroes Interactive Touchscreen Experience brings STEM careers to life through a blend of storytelling, interactivity, and real-world context. By framing each profession as a problem-solving journey, the experience makes complex subjects more accessible and meaningful.
Groove Jones helped Angelo State University create an experience that goes beyond education; it creates relevance. Students don’t just learn about careers; they see how those careers impact their communities and how they can play a role in solving real-world problems.
The result is an experience that turns curiosity into understanding, and understanding into a clearer vision of what’s possible.
