The NIH SEPA group that I have been working with has recently begun assembling a Google Sites page as a starting point for disseminating information about the project. The site: Teaching Biology 3D is still being put together and is not yet fully ready for prime time. That said, it is nice to see information about the project beginning to see the light of day. The kinds of simulations and learning materials they are putting together are extraordinary.

The game I have been working on with this group is currently being called “Osy Osmosis,” though I do not know if this will be the name of the game as it moves forward. However, I have purchased a domain name of the same name. It is my hope that information about Osy will also begin trickling out. Our first full set of play-testing occurred this week with exceptional results. The students for the most part grasped both the underlying mechanic of the game and seemed to enjoy playing the game. Feedback regarding the look and feel of the game was very productive. Below I've outlined some of the major issues we need to examine and possible future avenues the game can take. More reflections on the play-test can be found over at the wiki we are keeping for the project.

This same group of scientists is the group I am planning on submitting and NSF grant to study the interdisciplinary dynamics that occur when scientists, game developers, engineers, artists, educators, and students come together. I really think it is a unique research opportunity and am excited about its possibilities.

Tags: NIH, SEPA, OSY