The judges said:
This web site provides an overview of the procedures of knee replacement surgery. The process is explained by allowing visitors to manipulate tools such as scalpels
and bone saws. The content can get quite graphic! However, it is presented in a way that makes it possible to enjoy the process and learn while going through the
surgery. The material was tightly focused and easy to understand. The process of building a new knee is explained as visitors continue though the process.
Captioning was well integrated in to the program. Photographs of real knee replacement surgery are included. This web site is a highly effective tool for explaining
a medical topic to a variety of audiences. It was well thought out, well written, cleanly designed and programmed.
A tip from the producers:
I was thrilled with the work done by Eric Bort and the Living Children team. They brought surgery to life and were a lot of fun to work with. It's great to work with
people that have the same high standards that COSI and Mount Carmel do — people that are willing to go through the pain of innovation. When we tested the
site at a local high school, students were gasping and even getting queasy. High school students generally don't react much to anything, so I knew then that the
site was truly an excellent experience! Virtual Knee Surgery helps students prepare for COSI's live surgery videoconference program, but knee patients are now using
the site in increasing numbers to understand the procedure. Apparently, Virtual Knee Surgery is turning out to be a real boon for orthopedic surgeons and patients
all over the country.
Hybrid / Touch Screen Kiosk
The judges said:
This entry uses simple computer animations to explain the operation of very complicated medical devices. The devices themselves lie within cases, but are very
difficult to understand. In fact, the objects on display would be very difficult for visitors to understand without the use of technology. The animation used in this
project was a well chosen technology. The animations are visually simple and easy to understand. This entry is a very helpful interpretive tool for explaining an
obscure but important artifact. It is a perfect example of how new media can help visitors learn in an exhibition, rather than just add noise and diversion.
A tip from the producers:
Changing the Face of Medicine, an exhibition at the National Library of Medicine, celebrates the achievements of women in medicine. The five different artifact
interactives demonstrate a device used by one of the featured doctors. Located next to the actual artifact, the interactives allow visitors to see artifacts in motion,
or in greater detail, giving a better understanding of its function. Each function as interesting and engaging sidebars to the physicians' biographies, allowing
visitors to gain more insight to the artifacts they are viewing, and the work done by the physicians. They use combinations of Flash animations, photography, and 360
degree photography on 15 inch touch screen monitors, giving visitors the ability to manipulate the content in a self-directed manner.
The judges said:
This web site provides a great deal of information about conservation biology, a difficult subject to explain to the general public. It contains a great deal of
information presented in a way that highlights the complexities that underlay the science and practice of conservation. A great deal of thought and effort clearly
went into this project. Within the site are games that allow visitors to build panda habitats and learn about the factors with determine the survival of species.
The jury enjoyed the fact that there was no single "right" way to complete these activities. Especially impressive were the diverse range of material
available to educators.
A tip from the producers:
Conservation Central provides integrated resources to help families and students learn about temperate forest habitat conservation. It extends the Zoo visitor's focus
beyond the immediate animal — the giant panda — to the critical habitats that support the animals. In the same way that a good exhibit includes a variety of visitor
experiences, we wanted to provide a range of interactions on the Website, including: interactive animated games and activities, an online curriculum, easy-to-do
family learning activities, and a conservation gallery.
For families, we wanted to create programs that inspire them to sit down at the computer together rather than just surf the Web in isolation. For example, parent
and child are encouraged to develop a giant panda habitat together — this open-ended activity encourages communication between parent and child as they balance
the needs of people and pandas. Multi-age family learning activities reinforce curriculum concepts.
For teachers, the program integrates technology with both science and social studies concepts, and is aligned with national standards for Grades 5 to 8. Simulated
field studies (using "real" tools and scientific methods) and online games provide practice for real world follow-up. Customizable PDF modules are integrated
throughout the site, building learning connections between school and home. Students take conservation action steps in each module, culminating in a real-world Class
Conservation Action plan.
Hybrid/Installation
The judges said:
This entry is a museum exhibit that explains how scientists determine the age of fossils dug up from the earth. It is a great example of successful integration of
digital and physical exhibits. Fossils are shown in a wall panel buried at different depths. By touching the wall, visitors activate animations on the adjacent
screen explaining the relative age between the chosen specimens. The exhibit is a nicely thought out gallery experience that both looks good and functions well to
communicate its intended message and stimulate thinking and reasoning among visitors.
A tip from the producers:
We designed The Dating Game to be a fun way for visitors to learn how scientists determine the age of different fossils. Visitors are given an objective (find the
age of a dinosaur skull) and learn how different rocks and fossils can provide different, but complementary, clues.
Some of the things we learned in developing The Dating Game:
- Information that seems intractably complex can be successfully presented if everyone involved keeps a clear, simple goal in mind.
- Never underestimate the importance of touch in an exhibit. After walking through a hall full of specimens behind glass and inaccessible dioramas, a large,
sculptural interactive can be a real draw.
- We were extremely happy with the use of commercially available touch switches (developed for lighting). It took some serious research and development to get
them to work in this setting, but once issues with timing, relays, and (most unexpectedly) static were resolved, they have remained maintenance free.
The judges said:
This entry is an effective science education website. It is the online companion to a traveling exhibit about materials science. The subject is one of the more
complicated ones covered by interactive science exhibits. The subject lends itself to physical interaction. This web site successfully translates a physical experience
to an online exhibit by containing innovative activities that explain the properties of different materials. The site contains lots of things to explore and is full
of facts without being overly pedantic. A nice feature is that the various activities and videos that visitors discover are easily findable on one summary page.
The teachers material are also easy to find.
A tip from the producers:
StrangeMatterExhibit.com introduces visitors to the "study of stuff" — otherwise known as materials science. From pop cans and pizza to cell phones
and skateboards, this site encourages kids (as well as their teachers and parents) to explore the hidden science of everyday materials. Fun, informative online and
at-home activities help visitors discover how materials are put together, how they can be used, and how they can be changed and made even better. Along the way, videos
showcase real materials scientists, who explain what inspires them to do what they do.
Along with increasing awareness of materials science and potential career paths, the site hopes to encourage further exploration and show that science can be fun
and accessible.
What helped the Web site succeed? Two crucial pieces of process:
- The Web team, with the assistance of an expert facilitator, worked intensively with the scientists and educators of the Materials Research Society to focus
the site's goals and message before development began.
- Schoolchildren, science centre visitors and teachers tested the site at every stage of development, from mock-ups to finished code. Their feedback guided
decisions as the project progressed.
Gold: COSI Virtual Knee Surgery Web Site
Silver: Conservation Central
Bronze: Strange Matter