Audrey Aronowsky: WhyReef
Filed at 9:00 am on December 16, 2008 in Civic Engagement, Games, Identity • 2 comments
The scientific program manager at the Biodiversity Synthesis Center describes the Field Museum’s new collaboration with the virtual world of http://www.whyville.net.
What is WhyReef?
WhyReef is a one-year digital learning pilot project which uses the virtual world http://www.Whyville.net to teach students about coral reef biology, ecology, and conservation. The project has two main components: 1) a virtual coral reef where students will explore, ask and answer questions, and become certified reef guides and 2) a reef simulator gaming module that students will use to model the effects of different physical, chemical, and biological parameters on the reef. During the course of the year, WhyReef will be hit with damaging or catastrophic perturbations, and students will use their knowledge of reef species and their gaming module to research and develop management strategies to save the reef. The goals of the WhyReef project are to foster an interest in coral reefs, to teach students about reef species and ecology, and to encourage students to develop and explore coral reef management strategies.
Who is involved?
Our team includes Dr. Elizabeth Babcock, Director of Education and Libraries at the Field Museum; Dr. Mark Westneat, Director of the Encyclopedia of Life’s Biodiversity Synthesis Center and curator of Fishes at the Field Museum; Dr. James Bower, the founder of Whyville; and Dr. Jennifer Sun, Whyville’s General Manager.
Why are we excited about the project?
We are excited about this project for several reasons; first it brings together all of our strengths, from Jim and Jen’s expertise at reaching and affecting kids through Whyville, to Mark and Audrey’s lifelong interests in marine biology and coral reef conservation, to Elizabeth’s commitment to using the Museum’s science resources to get young people excited about science. Second, it brings us together for two causes we all believe in strongly: conservation and science education. And, finally, if we can engage and influence the tween and teen generation; really get them to explore, learn, and connect with coral reefs, then we will have accomplished something wonderful and lasting. Most people will never see a coral reef in person, yet people hear about the beauty and fragility of reefs all the time. It’s really critical that we encourage stewardship and really get kids to feel a connection to reefs or any critical ecosystem; virtual worlds may be the best way to simulate the truly immersive experience of being on a real reef and allow kids to become scientific problem solvers. We are really excited to begin.
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Comments (2)
1: Rik Panganiban at 12:46 pm on Monday, December 29, 2008
We are big fans of Whyville and the Field Museum, so we are so excited to see them working together on this really innovative project!
Looking forward to snorkeling in the virtual coral reef with the kids!
2: Jori Clarke from KidsCom.com at 5:10 pm on Tuesday, June 2, 2009
We too are big fans of Whyville and The Field Museum and encourage users to see the Animal Adventure teaching kids about Illinois wetlands and animal biodiversity that we did on KidsCom.com with the Field Museum in August of 2008. Kids from all over the world have posted some very thoughtful discussion points after completing this online/offline learning adventure that encourages kids to view related exhibits in the “real” Field Museum.
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