We are very excited about how far we've come and where we are headed.

Below is a breakdown of the different phases of the DEEEP project thus far and an explanation of the teaching tools we will be developing in Phase II for teachers, students and children.

DEEEP Designs logo

DEEEP Phase I

DEEEP’s Phase I began as questions asking Who/What was the Domínguez-Escalante Expedition. It took four years and the work of a very large diverse group of about more than 85 volunteers to answer and share it, which created this website.

Phase I, Team 1

The first team involved with Phase I of DEEEP was comprised of those who did the exploring and mapping in the field. These are DEEEP’s Field Notes, which can be found on each of the Journey pages. 

Phase I, Team 2

The second team explored the previous written materials about the 1776 Expedition as well as providing new research documents which would become DEEEP’s Research. The volunteers came from across the country, not just from Colorado, and were professionals in their field, as well as others whose purpose was to make the almost forgotten story of Domínguez and Escalante come alive to others as it was to them.

DEEEP Phase II

Phase II also known as DEEEP Designs will provide educational aids that will work in conjunction with this website. 

Phase II, Team 1

DEEEP Phase II’s first team will create tools that will help the teachers begin discussions in conjunction with this website for each day of the Expedition in Colorado. The team will determine the name but these will serve as “idea sheets”or “study guides”. It will be up to this team to determine how and what is included. It may be by grade levels, specific days or even topics. These will be will be available free on the website.

 

We need teachers but anyone who would like to be part of this team is welcome. For questions or if you would like to be part of the team; please send an email to deeepcodesigns@gmail.com.

Phase II, Team 2

The second team will be looking at ways to create prototypes of tactile (3D) teaching tools that
will help to show how different and difficult the terrain of the Journey was. Advancements in technology and new materials provide the opportunity to create inexpensive tactile (3
dimensional) tools that teachers can show and let their students touch to learn about the Expedition’s daily challenges. A diverse team is needed to create prototypes for each day’s terrain. Once a prototype is approved, copies will be made. It is the cost of making the prototypes that donations are needed. The goal is to provide these as inexpensively as possible.

 

It is thought that a digital file for printing the prototype could be sent for those that have access to 3D printer. For those who do not have one available, a copy could be made and then shipped to them. The goal is to make these tools available as inexpensively as possible. This too, is why donations are needed to keep the cost to a minimum. All are welcome to join this team, no special skills are need with the exception of wanting to help make this happen. For questions or if you would like to be part of the team; please send an email to deeepcodesigns@gmail.com.

Going Forward

DEEEP Designs is beginning now, but volunteers will always be welcome. It is the plan to have teaching tools available by January 2026 in time for the 2026 celebration of the 250th anniversary of the 1776 Domínguez-Escalante Expedition in Colorado. Updates will be available to DEEEP Designs volunteers by email. For questions or if you would like to be part of either of the team; please send an email to deeepcodesigns@gmail.com.

Layered 3D interlocking pieces featuring a silhouette of a Franciscan, a Native American and a horse in front of an orange circle on a black grid background.
Three interlocking 3D-printed pieces representing the elements of the DEEEP logo in orange, brown, and blue on a grid mat

What these pieces represent

The Native American – Symbolizes the Ute story

The Horse – Symbolizes both travel and the terrain

Silhouettes of a Franciscan, a Native American, a horse, and an orange crescent shape on a grid mat.

What these pieces represent

The Native American – Symbolizes the Ute story

The Horse – Symbolizes both travel and the terrain

The Franciscan – Symbolizes the members of the Expedition

The Setting Sun – Symbolizes the westward travel and the route depicted in the Journal

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