Mathematics Club
2023-05-03 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-10 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-17 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-24 17:00 - 18:00, 2023-05-31 17:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Maths Club

The Sociology of Working Together
2023-05-06 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The Sociology of Working Together
By: Phil Youngblood, PhD

This year we are celebrating the 15th anniversary of The Science Circle by working together online on a large, complex, project to demonstrate the multiple strengths of our group.
Working well with others can be challenging. In this presentation I will examine three factors that affect the outcome of teamwork – managing projects, developing teams, and individual characteristics. I will also consider whether working together in the same physical space or working online makes a difference.

Project Management
—How did theories of modern project management come about and how did they evolve?
—How does the end goal of different types of projects affect the process of managing?
—What activities are conducted during different phases of the project lifecycle?
—How does our Science Circle Project Moon Base differ from traditional projects?
Team Development
—How did team development theories develop as an instance of studying group dynamics?
—What can team members generally expect to observe as their teams develop?
—What is the role of community in team development?
—How can team members help to move a team towards working well together?
Individual Characteristics
—Perceptions of supervisor-worker relationships.
—Matching leadership and followership styles.
—How might demographics influence communication?
Working Together Online
—What are the differences between school, an internship, and a work environment.
—What lessons did employers learn about remote work during the pandemic?
—How is work conducted in a mediated communications environment?

For those interested in the theories behind the presentation:
Project Management: I will integrate project management models empirically developed over the last 75 years or so from analyzing successes and failures.
Team Development: I will primarily refer to Tuckman’s stages of team development devised in 1965 and continually refined since then.
Individual Characteristics: I will summarize conclusions from my own research of virtual internships, combined with Hofstede’s study of cultural dimensions in the late 1960s.
Working Online: I will use conclusions from my own work, from studies during the pandemic, and testimony from experts I know.

Come join us, both to learn as well as to share your experiences and thoughts about the topic!

Immigration
2023-05-06 21:00 - 22:00 | SC East Meeting Spot
Immigration
Sensitive subject for some, fascinating for others, today we discuss Immigration, the pros, cons, share out opinions, tell your own stories if you are an Immigrant yourself, or tell stories about an Immigrant you may know!

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Classical Concert
2023-05-07 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-05-14 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-05-21 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-05-28 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-06-04 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-06-11 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-06-18 07:00 - 08:00, 2023-06-25 07:00 - 08:00 and 1 more date | The Lighthouse Café

Modes of Thinking
2023-05-13 10:00 - 11:00 | The Lighthouse Café
Famed Autistic Temple Grandin has a new book out in which she describes how she thinks in images rather than words. Recently, it has become known that some people have a running internal linguistic monologue in their head and others do not. Synesthesia is the experience “seeing” a color associated with hearing a sound. How do deaf people think? Join us in an exploration of how thinking works, how it is subjectively experienced, and what that experience might mean.
Come prepared to share your own experiences in a wide ranging casual conversation.

Space Conference
2023-05-13 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Space Conference
In March this year, I had the pleasure of attending the International Space Convention (ISC), which featured discussions involving over 160 esteemed speakers in the space industry on some of the biggest topics in the field. During the discussions I picked up valuable insights on developments such as edge computing, space training, and orbital habitats. In the spirit that drives the science circle’s moon-base endeavour I hope to share some of these insights and tell you why the future of the space industry excites me.

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

The Benefits of Getting Back to Nature
2023-05-20 10:00 - 11:00 | Inspiration Bay
This is a presentation on the psychology of the aging mind by Phil Youngblood

I would like Science Circle members to be aware of the Healthy Aging Through Lifelong Learning Conference that runs from May 15-May 21, 2023 in Second Life (https://www.agelessmindproject.org/events/) and is sponsored by Whole Brain Health, one of our long-standing neighbors associated with the Virtual Worlds Education Consortium (VWEC).
From 10-11am SLT on 20 May, I will presenting on “The Benefits of Getting Back to Nature” at this conference. Here is a description of my event:
“Numerous studies have shown an association between exposure to or interaction with urban, rural, and virtual natural environments and positive effects on mental and physical health in children and adults of all demographics. I will share my own experiences and then lead a facilitated discussion on our shared lived experiences with this topic. Participants will have access to an annotated bibliography of 20 articles and studies.”
Do you have a relationship with nature? Have you always had? Or did you get ‘back to nature’ recently or would like to do so when you get the chance? You are invited to share your experiences and ideas at this forum.
Related article: A Texas Nature Ranger

NOTE: Please join me at “Inspiration Bay” this day instead of in the SC amphitheater where we usually meet.

Milanchovich Cycles
2023-05-20 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Milanchovich Cycles
Abstract Pending, watch this space!

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Bugs and Babies: Endosymbiotic Embryogenesis in Carpenter Ants
2023-05-27 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Bugs and Babies: Endosymbiotic Embryogenesis in Carpenter Ants
Endosymbiosis is deeply embedded (pun intended) in the history of life on earth, from the origin of eukaryotic cells to light-producing organs in squid. This is the story of how some bacteria inserted themselves into the developmental pathway of carpenter ants to wind up both in the gut, where they help with digestion, and in the gametes, where they ensure their transmission to the next generation.
By Dr. Mary Anne Clark

Places in Second Life
2023-05-27 21:00 - 22:00 | SC East Meeting Spot
Places in Second Life
We invite you to join us in a discussion of places in Second Life, those you visit regularly, or rarely, but appreciate nonetheless. If you have a beautiful recommendations for us, be sure to share it here!

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Darwin in the Mauritius
2023-06-03 10:00 - 11:00 | H.M.S. Beagle
Darwin in the Mauritius
By Phil Youngblood, PhD
JUNE IS FIELD TRIP MONTH!

Our first field trip this year will be to the area around the replica of the HMS Beagle on Science Circle Island. The Exhibit “Darwin in the Mauritius” is divided into two sections: The Second Voyage of the HMS Beagle (along the wharf) and the Theory of Evolution (along the beach).

The Second Voyage of the HMS Beagle
When you hear the name Charles Darwin you might think of his work in the Galapagos Islands, but the HMS Beagle traveled around the world, and it was his observations at different locations along the way that led to his explanations for what he saw.
The HMS Beagle was a British survey ship whose mission included a variety of things, including recording the weather, calibrating a chronometer (used for calculating latitude), measuring coastal water depths, studying rocks, and a biological survey. Among the places that the HMS Beagle visited was the island of Mauritius near Madagascar off East Africa.
A series of posters along the wharf walk visitors through highlights of the Second Voyage of the HMS Beagle.

The Theory of Evolution
Two rows of posters continue along the beach on the other side of the HMS Beagle. There are also 3D animals in the area on the land in in this ocean that might be found on Mauritius.
In this display, visitors will find information on how life is classified, principally families leading to humans, including Holozoa (1100Mya) Animalia (760Mya), Vertebrata (520Mya), Tetrapoda (400Mya) Therapsida (300Mya), Mammalia (165Mya), Placental Animals (65Mya), Hominidae (17Mya), and Humans (0.35Mya) and other recent adaptations such as Ants (100Mya), Tortoises (65Mya), Bats and Parrots (50Mya)

Other posters show how fetuses like very much alike among a diversity of animals, how something as complicated as the eye could evolve, and what we understand about human evolution.
Come join us on the first field trip of June 2023!

Fieldtrip: Abyss Observatory
2023-06-03 21:00 - 22:00 | Abyss Observatory
Abyss Observatory
“The sea is everything. It covers seven tenths of the terrestrial globe. Its breath is pure and healthy. It is an immense desert, where man is never lonely, for he feels life stirring on all sides. The sea is only the embodiment of a supernatural and wonderful existence. It is nothing but love and emotion; it is the `Living Infinite,′ as one of your poets has said.” ~Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Today we will visit the Abyss Observatory!

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Mount Grace Priory (in OpenSim)
2023-06-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Mount Grace Piory in OpenSim
MOUNT GRACE PRIORY

This is a 4-sim simulation of a 15th Century Carthusian Priory, reconstructed as it was then using site plans and architectural drawings obtained from English Heritage, the UK’s historic monuments heritage protection organisation.

Use the LM to go to the Briefing Area and read the briefing notes in English and French; and then click on the onward link in the corner to start your tour at ground level.

As you explore, click on the Information Stones to receive bilingual notes and illustrations about 15th Century life. You can cut-and-paste these to your hard disc if you want to print out an illustrated brochure as a record of your visit.

For more details, including links to two Powerpoint shows held in Dropbox, (one describes the simulation, and the other provides details of how it was constructed), please contact either

Christi Maeterlinck in Second Life; or
Christii Maeterlinck (note the two ‘is’) in the Science Circle grid, or Opensim generally.

Note: Make sure you have an OpenSim account and avatar ready, days before the field trip. Starting this process on the day itself does not guarantee access!
Are you new to our own Grid, follow the instructions here.
SC Grid Interface

Ancient Egypt
2023-06-10 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle region
Ancient Egypt
This week, we will visit an Ancient Egyptian themed sim, filled with a little bit of history, fun and mystery!

Is this the first time you will attend a presentation with us?
Follow this link first.

Abyssinia (in Open Sim)
2023-06-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Abyssinia
Abyssinia, which is intended as a living museum & educational resource on the Science Circle’s OpenSim grid, is my reconstruction of archaeological & historical sites in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) & Eritrea that date from at least 1000 BCE through roughly 800 CE. I excavated at or visited several of these sites decades ago (1969-1972), & now am restoring parts of them virtually to recreate their prominence during their heyday. I had created a similar project on Second Life more than a decade ago, but technical & financial issues prevented its continuation, so I am grateful to have been able to created it again.

The first site reconstructed included two major buildings & other parts of Yeha, capital of the kingdom then known as Di’amat, located in Tigray, that was a major power for a few hundred years beginning around 3000 years ago.

My next project was Metera, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Eritrea. Metera dates back at least as far as Yeha, & became a major city in the trade route between the Red Sea coast & Aksum, the city that rose following the fall of Yeha. My Metera site includes a palace from the Aksumite period, representative of several that have been excavated there, with some additional features taken from palaces excavated at Aksum.

Subsequently I have added a number of other sites. Aksum itself is represented by the huge royal palace, a pair of royal burial chapels, & several other features characteristic of the city.

The Red Sea port is seen in two periods: first, as Punt, the region famously visited by Egyptian traders, & then as Adulis, the port city that enabled Aksum to become one of the 4 great powers of the 3rd century according to the historian Mani, along with Rome, Persia, & China.

I also have added Qohaito, another important Eritrean site, & a major city on the Aksumite trade route some distance north of Metera. It is famed now for the ancient dam which still provides water for local cattle.

Debre Dammo, the important monastery in Tigray, has been extensively recreated, including the 9th Century church & the monks’ quarters atop the flat mountain, which is only accessible by a climb up a vertical cliff, pulling oneself up on a thick braided rawhide rope.
Barentu, a site in western Eritrea, is included to show some ancient technology that is still in use there. Nearby are examples of houses traditional to Eritrea, distinct from those in Tigray. Still under construction is Bahar Dar, the city on the shore of Lake Tsana, the source of the Blue Nile, & the Blue Nile Falls which are nearby.

Also still in preparation are delivery systems at each site that will provide notecards containing a self-tour of that region.

The Home Area, which is the primary landing place for all of Abyssinia, contains information, illustrations, & teleport buttons to all of the regions, along with some seats for resting or discussion in the shade of a Bedouin tent.

Throughout all regions there are displays with multiple photos being displayed in slide show fashion showing illustrations of related subjects in the region. They are best viewed by taking the time for each in turn to cycle through its entire contents.

Barentu, a site in western Eritrea, is included to show some ancient technology that is still in use there. Nearby are examples of houses traditional to Eritrea, distinct from those in Tigray. Just completed are Bahar Dar, the city on the shore of Lake Tsana, the source of the Blue Nile, along with the Blue Nile Falls which are nearby, & the 500 year old bridge over the Blue Nile built by Emperor Susenyos.

Still in preparation are delivery systems at each site that will provide notecards containing a self-tour of that region.

Some regions have arrows in the ground indicating the way to points of interest within easy walking distance. In others, there are secondary teleport buttons (indicated by smaller fonts for the labels) that take the visitor to more distant points of interest within the region.

Note: it is recommended that for the clearest view of the site’s details, at least during one’s first visit, environment controls be set to Midday. Feel free to change to a more artistic lighting on subsequent visits.
A field trip with Archaeologist Skip Dahlgren

Note: Make sure you have an OpenSim account and avatar ready, days before the field trip. Starting this process on the day itself does not guarantee access!
Are you new to our own Grid, follow the instructions here.
SC Grid Interface

Abyssinia (in Open Sim)
2023-06-17 21:00 - 22:00 | Abyssinia
Abyssinia (in Open Sim)

Abyssinia, which is intended as a living museum & educational resource on the Science Circle’s OpenSim grid, is my reconstruction of archaeological & historical sites in Tigray (northern Ethiopia) & Eritrea that date from at least 1000 BCE through roughly 800 CE. I excavated at or visited several of these sites decades ago (1969-1972), & now am restoring parts of them virtually to recreate their prominence during their heyday. I had created a similar project on Second Life more than a decade ago, but technical & financial issues prevented its continuation, so I am grateful to have been able to created it again.

The first site reconstructed included two major buildings & other parts of Yeha, capital of the kingdom then known as Di’amat, located in Tigray, that was a major power for a few hundred years beginning around 3000 years ago.

My next project was Metera, one of the most significant archaeological sites in Eritrea. Metera dates back at least as far as Yeha, & became a major city in the trade route between the Red Sea coast & Aksum, the city that rose following the fall of Yeha. My Metera site includes a palace from the Aksumite period, representative of several that have been excavated there, with some additional features taken from palaces excavated at Aksum.

Subsequently I have added a number of other sites. Aksum itself is represented by the huge royal palace, a pair of royal burial chapels, & several other features characteristic of the city.

The Red Sea port is seen in two periods: first, as Punt, the region famously visited by Egyptian traders, & then as Adulis, the port city that enabled Aksum to become one of the 4 great powers of the 3rd century according to the historian Mani, along with Rome, Persia, & China.

I also have added Qohaito, another important Eritrean site, & a major city on the Aksumite trade route some distance north of Metera. It is famed now for the ancient dam which still provides water for local cattle.

Debre Dammo, the important monastery in Tigray, has been extensively recreated, including the 9th Century church & the monks’ quarters atop the flat mountain, which is only accessible by a climb up a vertical cliff, pulling oneself up on a thick braided rawhide rope.
Barentu, a site in western Eritrea, is included to show some ancient technology that is still in use there. Nearby are examples of houses traditional to Eritrea, distinct from those in Tigray. Still under construction is Bahar Dar, the city on the shore of Lake Tsana, the source of the Blue Nile, & the Blue Nile Falls which are nearby.

Also still in preparation are delivery systems at each site that will provide notecards containing a self-tour of that region.
The Home Area, which is the primary landing place for all of Abyssinia, contains information, illustrations, & teleport buttons to all of the regions, along with some seats for resting or discussion in the shade of a Bedouin tent.
Throughout all regions there are displays with multiple photos being displayed in slide show fashion showing illustrations of related subjects in the region. They are best viewed by taking the time for each in turn to cycle through its entire contents.
Barentu, a site in western Eritrea, is included to show some ancient technology that is still in use there. Nearby are examples of houses traditional to Eritrea, distinct from those in Tigray. Just completed are Bahar Dar, the city on the shore of Lake Tsana, the source of the Blue Nile, along with the Blue Nile Falls which are nearby, & the 500 year old bridge over the Blue Nile built by Emperor Susenyos.
Still in preparation are delivery systems at each site that will provide notecards containing a self-tour of that region.
Some regions have arrows in the ground indicating the way to points of interest within easy walking distance. In others, there are secondary teleport buttons (indicated by smaller fonts for the labels) that take the visitor to more distant points of interest within the region.

Note: it is recommended that for the clearest view of the site’s details, at least during one’s first visit, environment controls be set to Midday. Feel free to change to a more artistic lighting on subsequent visits.
A field trip with Archaeologist Skip Dahlgren

Note: Make sure you have an OpenSim account and avatar ready, days before the field trip. Starting this process on the day itself does not guarantee access!
Are you new to our own Grid, follow the instructions here.
SC Grid Interface

Second Life Birthday 20 YEARS
2023-06-24 10:00 - 11:00
Second Life’s 20th anniversary also marks Science Circle’s 15th anniversary.
Today at 10 AM and 9 PM PDT we will take you on our last field trip.
This year’s theme is Our Fantastic Future.

“We are pleased to announce our Birthday theme for this year: Our Fantastic Future. The cornerstone of this idea is what we would define as eco-futurism including sustainability, a focus on our environment, and the next generation of our world. Some might call this science fiction, but what is science fiction except a dream for a possible future? In Second Life we build worlds. Our worlds, our way.”

IMPORTANT:
Since most of us are Region hoppers, it is recommended that you clear your Cache before TP-ing to the location.
Me > Preferences > Advanced > Clear Cache > Ok

We start at our home location and would be delighted if you join us!

Second Life Birthday 20 YEARS
2023-06-24 21:00 - 22:00 | Jude
