NOAA/ESRL has been actively exploring SL since April. For those interested, you can look us up on the web at http://www.noaa.gov/ and http://www.esrl.noaa.gov/. Pathfinder was nice enough to set us up with a temporary parcel of land so we could build a proof of concept: an SL version of "Science on a Sphere." (http://sos.noaa.gov/) Since then, we've purchased an island, however, it soon became apparent that we had neither the time or expertise to internally create our virtual content. What better solution than a design contest? With the infusion of more money, we hired three of the top content design groups in SL to create demonstrations of their vision for NOAA and ESRL's virtual presence. This contest finished last night, and who better to offer critique then fellow educators and taxpayers whose money we are spending.
If those interested could take a few minutes to visit our island "Meteroa" we'd love feedback. There are three 5000 sqm parcels created by three teams: red, green, and blue. Some of the highlights created during this contest in no particular order are:
* a submersible that demos the possibility of an underwater educational tour
* a tsunami demonstration that shows how they form, detection methods,and their destructive power
* a glacier that melts slowly highlighting the impact of global warming
* a P-3 orion hurricane hunter that flies through a virtual hurricane
* real-time temperature display from locations around the US
* a 3D representation of a sim's cloud cover
Once you have a look around, please visit the cabin on the top of the island's mountain to fill out a short survey and send an email containing your feedback. Your comments will help shape the future virtual direction of NOAA and ESRL.
You can find us in SL by searching for "NOAA" or click on the following link:
http://slurl.com/secondlife/Meteroa/71/159/55/
Thanks,
Eric Hackathorn (aka Hackshaven Harford) NOAA/ESRL