Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 6: Introduction to Blueprints
Nov
12

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 6: Introduction to Blueprints

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

What if I told you that you can make VR applications without writing a single line of code? Too good to be true? Unreal Engine (UE) has a node-based visual scripting system, called Blueprints. Blueprints is a foundational tool that we will use to make our application interactive. While Blueprints still relies on basic coding principal, it eliminates the need to know C++ coding. Anyone with experience in any language (e.g. Python, Java, C#) will be able to use Blueprints to create powerful VR experiences. In the Introduction to Blueprints class, students will learn how to use the Blueprint visual coding system. We will go over the different types of blueprints in UE and how they relate to each other. We will explore the blueprint user interface, and how to create basic components within a blueprint. We will then get our hands dirty and start writing code! By the end of the class, students will write several pieces of code in Blueprints. They will be able to send commands between separate blueprints, and will understand how to use coding tools such as Function Libraries and Blueprint Interfaces.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 5: Introduction to Lighting
Nov
5

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 5: Introduction to Lighting

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Lighting can make the difference between a "so-so" environment and a "Wow, this is amazing!" environment. Even a VR environment with no textures can look great with quality lighting. In the Introduction to Lighting class, students will learn the basics of lighting a VR scene. We will explore the different kinds of lights in Unreal Engine (UE) and go over the settings that will yield the best results. Students will learn the difference between static and dynamic lighting, and which one is better for VR. Finally, students will learn how to set up a Swarm Farm for distributed processing, which can significantly reduce light bake times. By the end of the class, students will have a VR environment with realistic lighting. They will light their own VR scene using the lighting workflow, a step-by-step guide for creating high-quality realistic lighting.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 4: Introduction to Materials
Oct
29

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 4: Introduction to Materials

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Using realistic materials is one of the most effective techniques for making truly immersive virtual reality (VR). In the Introduction to Materials class, students will learn the basics of creating materials in Unreal Engine. We will explore the UE material editor interface and learn the basic properties of a material. Students will learn how to import high quality materials from the free UE material library, Quixel, and go over the texture files that comprise a realistic material. By the end of the class, students will model a surrounding environment for their VR world, and will texture their world using they own material library.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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First Aid + CPR/AED
Oct
26

First Aid + CPR/AED

BestCPRSeattle offers highly engaging and practical "hands-on" training led by BESTCPRUSA certified American Heart Association instructors. ​Their goal is to ensure each participant feels comfortable learning life-saving skills in a highly engaging, fast-paced, comprehensive training session. Nationally recognized course completion cards are issued immediately via email and are valid for 2 years.

This certification training is taught in-person at the Tukwila SPEEA Union Hall.

Class size is limited to 30 people and participants.

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Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 3: Creating a Basic VR Session
Oct
22

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 3: Creating a Basic VR Session

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

There are many virtual reality (VR) tools built into Unreal Engine (UE), which you can use to get up and running in VR very quickly. In the Creating a Basic VR Session class, students will build their very first VR session from scratch! We will explore the UE Virtual Reality template, and we will go over the specific settings that need to be changed in order to convert a normal project into a VR project. Students will be introduced to the Enhanced Input Actions system, and will learn how to change the inputs on the VR controller. By the end of the class, student will create a working VR session, that they can play on their VR headset. Students will be able to see their virtual hands and even be able to teleport around their environment.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 2: Importing and Optimizing CAD Geometry
Oct
15

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 2: Importing and Optimizing CAD Geometry

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

As engineers, we work with a lot of CAD geometry. So how do we get this CAD into Unreal Engine (UE)? What tools are available to make the geometry lighter and more efficient? In the Importing and Optimizing CAD Geometry class, students will learn just that: how to import and optimize CAD geometry in UE. We will review the basic principles of what CAD conversion is, and why CAD optimizing is critical for engine performance. Students will explore the CAD import interface, called Dataprep, and learn several techniques to optimize their CAD geometry, e.g, culling objects by name, adding level of detail, and merging objects. By the end of the class, students will be familiar with the Dataprep interface. They will practice importing CAD geometry with a variety of settings, in order to gain an understanding how each settings affects the resulting geometry.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 1: Introduction to Unreal Engine
Oct
8

Basic VR Development in Unreal Engine – Class 1: Introduction to Unreal Engine

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - SPEEA Tukwila Hall (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

It can be confusing to know which software you need to do virtual reality (VR) and the Unreal Engine (UE) interface can be daunting. In the Introduction to Unreal Engine class, we will go over the various software applications that need to be installed to develop your own VR applications, and we will verify everyone has all the software properly installed. We will distribute VR headsets to each student and make sure every student is up and running in VR. No one left behind! We will then dive into Unreal Engine (UE) and explore the UE Editor user interface. Students will learn about the main windows, such as the viewport, world outliner, details panel, and content browser. By the end of the class, students will be up and running in VR. They will have all the necessary VR software installed and have a VR headset working and connected to their computer. In Unreal, students will build their first level, add basic elements to the new level, and add a character to the new level that they can control with mouse and keyboard inputs.

These are “no code” course and will focus on making VR applications primarily using the tools that are already included in Unreal Engine (UE). While the functionality of these VR sessions be more limited, this course will minimize the amount of coding required to make VR applications, so students will not need a background in coding to be successful in this course.

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From Fear to Freedom: How a Tech Visionary Overcame Fear to Soar
Oct
3

From Fear to Freedom: How a Tech Visionary Overcame Fear to Soar

Dr. Cecilia Aragon, the first Latina pilot on the US Aerobatic Team and Director of the Human-Centered Data Science Lab at the University of Washington, will share how she broke free from expectations and rose above her own limits by combining her passion for flying with math and logic in unexpected ways. Her story will inspire students to overcome their greatest fears and achieve the freedom they always dreamed of.

Following Dr. Aragon's presentation there will be a Q & A from the audience.

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First Aid + CPR/AED
Sep
21

First Aid + CPR/AED

"In-person" training on September 21, 9:00am - 1:30 pm, Tukwila SPEEA Hall. This 4.5 hour course is spent on confidence-building practice, teamwork, and preparation. Includes complete instruction in the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

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Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 3
Aug
13

Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 3

Participants will learn basic composites manufacturing skills at an introductory level. Including 30 common basic composites terms, basic safety procedures & practices, and the basics of wet layup & vacuum bag techniques. Students will also be exposed to basic, simple materials such as fibers, resins, consumables, as well as engineering analysis tools and techniques. After building their own composite laminates, students will have the chance to test them through destructive means. To participate in Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #2 on August 10, 2024, students must attend Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #1 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

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Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 2
Aug
10

Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 2

Participants will learn basic composites manufacturing skills at an introductory level. Including 30 common basic composites terms, basic safety procedures & practices, and the basics of wet layup & vacuum bag techniques. Students will also be exposed to basic, simple materials such as fibers, resins, consumables, as well as engineering analysis tools and techniques. After building their own composite laminates, students will have the chance to test them through destructive means. To participate in Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #2 on August 10, 2024, students must attend Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #1 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

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Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 1
Aug
6

Composites 102: Wet Layup & Destructive Testing - Day 1

Participants will learn basic composites manufacturing skills at an introductory level. Including 30 common basic composites terms, basic safety procedures & practices, and the basics of wet layup & vacuum bag techniques. Students will also be exposed to basic, simple materials such as fibers, resins, consumables, as well as engineering analysis tools and techniques. After building their own composite laminates, students will have the chance to test them through destructive means. To participate in Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #2 on August 10, 2024, students must attend Wet Layup & Destructive Testing #1 on Tuesday, August 6, 2024.

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First Aid + CPR/AED (Tukwila)
Jun
22

First Aid + CPR/AED (Tukwila)

"In-person" training on June 8, 9:00am - 1:30 pm, Tukwila SPEEA Hall. This 4.5 hour course is spent on confidence-building practice, teamwork, and preparation. Includes complete instruction in the use of an AED (Automated External Defibrillator).

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Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 5
Jun
1

Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 5

This class builds on what was learned activity exposes participants to the mathematical and coding concepts that computers use to help define real world situations using a limited number of variables that simulate each state of a real-world situation. Participants will learn how technology and data can be a tool for activism.

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Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 4
May
25

Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 4

This class builds on what was learned activity exposes participants to the mathematical and coding concepts that computers use to help define real world situations using a limited number of variables that simulate each state of a real-world situation. Participants will learn how technology and data can be a tool for activism.

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Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 3
May
18

Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 3

This class builds on what was learned activity exposes participants to the mathematical and coding concepts that computers use to help define real world situations using a limited number of variables that simulate each state of a real-world situation. Participants will learn how technology and data can be a tool for activism.

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Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 3
May
15

Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 3

Want to build a team that has fun while collaborating to achieve world-class results? Leading STEM teams effectively requires much more than technical knowledge. The social and psychological sciences underscore how we build trust, inspire motivation, and cultivate independence and accountability.

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Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 2
May
11

Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 2

This class builds on what was learned activity exposes participants to the mathematical and coding concepts that computers use to help define real world situations using a limited number of variables that simulate each state of a real-world situation. Participants will learn how technology and data can be a tool for activism.

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Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 2
May
8

Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 2

Want to build a team that has fun while collaborating to achieve world-class results? Leading STEM teams effectively requires much more than technical knowledge. The social and psychological sciences underscore how we build trust, inspire motivation, and cultivate independence and accountability.

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Mentorship Program - Month #4 (Interviewing Skills)
May
7

Mentorship Program - Month #4 (Interviewing Skills)

The SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement (ACE) mentoring program is a 5-month program led by active and retired aerospace engineers. It is open to anyone interested in having an aerospace professional as a mentor. This includes college students, those looking to enter the aerospace industry or those seeking to change careers in the industry. The program pairs individuals with current and retired aerospace professionals from a wide variety of disciplines, including pilots.

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Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 1
May
4

Python: Data Management & Tools for Activism - Day 1

This class builds on what was learned activity exposes participants to the mathematical and coding concepts that computers use to help define real world situations using a limited number of variables that simulate each state of a real-world situation. Participants will learn how technology and data can be a tool for activism.

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Introduction to the Small Business Innovation Research Program
May
2

Introduction to the Small Business Innovation Research Program

The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program is the largest government grant program that promotes innovation by providing funding to small businesses for Research and Development (R&D). In the aerospace sector, the SBIR program plays a crucial role in driving innovation by supporting projects that address technological needs within the aerospace sector.

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Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 1
May
1

Leading STEM Teams in Aerospace and Aviation - Day 1

Want to build a team that has fun while collaborating to achieve world-class results? Leading STEM teams effectively requires much more than technical knowledge. The social and psychological sciences underscore how we build trust, inspire motivation, and cultivate independence and accountability.

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Personal Velocity: How to Increase Prioritization and Productivity Skills to Achieve More Professionally and Personally
Apr
26

Personal Velocity: How to Increase Prioritization and Productivity Skills to Achieve More Professionally and Personally

This webinar shares processes and techniques for increasing professional and personal productivity. Participants learn the key factors that impact their productivity in the workplace and evaluate how they spend their time at work. The Impact/Effort Grid is introduced, and participants learn how to use this best practice tool for task prioritization. The webinar focuses on learning how to proritize the important over the urgent.

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Thoughtful Balancing: Life and Work
Apr
17

Thoughtful Balancing: Life and Work

  • SPEEA Aerospace Career Enhancement - Virtually (map)
  • Google Calendar ICS

Managing time, managing distractions, managing work, managing relationships and numerous commitments can easily overwhelm. Taking the time to simply determine what is most important and isolating the opportunities to make the time you spend of value can add a layer of joy to one’s existence.

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