Special May News from W2O: Launching THE HUB
THE?HUB: ENTRYWAY TO WORLD OCEAN EXPLORER VIRTUAL AQUARIUM
The W2O is pleased to officially announce?the new main feature of World Ocean Explorer??. Central organizing space and portal to all other aspects of the virtual experience, THE HUB offers a beautiful entryway into all exhibits within Explorer virtual aquarium and contains stand-alone interactive features, 3D models, infographics on all things ocean, and much more.?Explorer?is an educational, interactive 3D platform for ocean exploration and discovery. A cutting edge virtual aquarium, Explorer is designed to increase ocean literacy and interest in marine science through a web-based interactive experience and access to third party curricular resources. Users enter through?THE HUB?for access to all exhibits present and future, including the main portal to Schmidt Ocean Institute's?DEEP SEA?exhibit. THE HUB also contains its own 3D models, interactive displays, a movie theater, and Ocean Classroom, where users connect with Ocean Literacy curriculum and resources related to the Next Gen Science Standards, for classroom discussion and learning. Most importantly, Explorer is an?open access, no cost?resource for educators and students anywhere, at any time, to virtually explore the wonders of our marine world and to access 3D ocean exhibits based on themes.
OCEAN CLASSROOM: A VIRTUAL SPACE FOR OCEAN LITERACY
The main purpose of THE HUB and World Ocean Explorer at large is to make the ocean accessible through inclusive interaction in a virtual aquarium, and to make accessible educational content and ocean resources for users worldwide
"World Ocean Explorer is a transformational tool for understanding how the ocean works. It does not have the physical scale of a real aquarium space, but it is as wide, deep and dynamic as the ocean itself.?There is no cost; there is no barrier to entry.?Explorer offers a field trip without having to leave the classroom or one’s home. The virtual aquarium is applicable to formal and informal education, and is based on the seven Principles of Ocean Literacy."???
- Peter Neill, Director of the W2O
OCEAN THEATER IN THE HUB
Visualization of ocean phenomenon is a primary tool for connection, delivery of information, and stimulation of the senses inherent in ocean experience. The Explore Theater will showcase a full repertory?of films that document the natural resources, marine science, and human dimension of ocean experience.?NOW PLAYING?in the Ocean Theater are "Depths of Ningaloo", a short film by Schmidt Ocean Institute, filmed entirely at sea, as research vessel?Falkor?and their ROV SuBastian collected beautiful visualizations. The immense diversity of the Western Australian coast is on full display in this 12-minute film of a first-of-its-kind expedition. Also playing now: "The Principles of Ocean Literacy" a compilation of seven 1-minute films developed by UNESCO/IOC that relate to each of the principles of Ocean Literacy, narrated by recognizable ocean figures. Have a seat in the theater and enjoy a film on us!
NEW EXHIBITS ON THE HORIZON
World Ocean Explorer ? provides an immersive gaming experience designed to excite students ages 10 and up about scientific ocean exploration and to promote ocean literacy worldwide. From students to gamers, educators to enthusiasts, Explorer is a multi-exhibit platform where users can jump from one exhibit to the next. Future exhibits, in development, will?include POLAR REGIONS, CORAL REEFS, MARITIME WORK, FRESH WATER, COASTAL RESOURCES, SCIENCE AT SEA, and more. Stay tuned.
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OCEAN CONNECTIONS: SCHMIDT OCEAN INSTITUTE'S?DEEP SEA EXHIBIT
THE HUB?is now integrated with?DEEP SEA, the premier exhibit of Explorer created in collaboration with?Schmidt Ocean Institute?and launched in March of 2022.?DEEP SEA?showcases discoveries made during the SOI Australia Campaign, utilizing high-resolution video, models, and descriptive materials of newly discovered?species and environments observed during science expeditions aboard research vessel?Falkor?with the underwater robot (ROV) SuBastian.
Explorer allows users to explore a variety of ecosystems and exhibits that cannot be observed in a traditional aquarium setting. Developed using Unity gaming software to bring three-dimensional ocean literacy and marine science education to a worldwide audience of educators, students and individuals interested in the full spectrum of biodiversity in the ocean–the largest, most essential natural system on earth.
MANY THANKS TO OUR COLLABORATORS
Creation of?World Ocean Explorer and the HUB would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our friends and collaborators.?We are grateful for the foundation support that allowed us to build out THE HUB; to the vision of Schmidt Ocean Institute for seeing the value in Explorer and collaborating with the W2O on?DEEP SEA; and to Bjorn Grigholm, PhD, Owner and Creative Director of Visual Solutions Lab for his expertise, vision and dedication to this special project.
With?the recognition and growth of the World Ocean Explorer virtual aquarium, we begin our next decade of transformative, trans-generational contribution to public awareness and understanding of the world ocean.?JOIN US.?As participating?Citizens of the Ocean, we are grateful for your interest and support. Help us spread the word:?SHARE?or?POST?this newsletter?where you think it will resonate and connect with others who share our concern. Not a subscriber??BECOME ONE.?Let's work together to sustain our oceanic future.
The sea connects all things...