Science Circle

Classical Concert
2022-02-20 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-02-13 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-02-06 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-01-30 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-01-23 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-01-16 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-01-09 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-01-02 07:00 - 08:00 (America/Los_Angeles) and 1 more date | The Lighthouse Café

Science Circle Trivia
2022-02-19 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Science Circle Trivia
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14th Anniversary SC
2022-02-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The Science Circle has been a welcoming and enduring phenomenon in Second Life for 14 years now! Amazing!
Whether you are new to The Science Circle or have been with us since the beginning, we invite you to come celebrate and to share your memories as we recall how the Science Circle got started, our mission and vision, the places we have called ‘home,’ and some of the key events that have helped to define our organization over the years.
We especially want to recognize and celebrate our presenters, past and present, and our partners over the years, who represent such a wide range of interests that everyone who loves science can surely find something they like at The Science Circle.
What does the future hold for us? Learn about some of the ideas we have in mind, but also help guide the direction of The Science Circle by sharing what you like personally, what you think are our best features, and where we could expand or improve.
Finally, we will wrap up our celebration by taking a short ‘field trip’ around Science Circle island to view the current exhibits.
Looking forward to seeing you there!
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Phil

Presentation by Dr. Phil Youngblood

Dr. Phil Youngblood

Previous lectures on film

Podcast

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Darwin Day at the H.M.S. Beagle
2022-02-12 21:00 - 22:00 | H.M.S. Beagle
Darwin Day at The HMS Beagle
Come and celebrate Darwin day with us by watching a lecture from the British Humanist Association, on the beach right next to our very own recreation of the HMS Beagle!

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Darwin Day, Heroes of Evolution: E. O. Wilson
2022-02-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Darwin Day
Heroes of Evolution: E. O. Wilson

You may have already been exposed to one of E.O. Wilson’s works, E.O. Wilson’s Life on Earth, a multi-media textbook released for free. It was in many ways indicative of his career: brilliant, expansive, engaging, and a joy to read. Wilson was one of the giants of evolutionary theory in the 21st century. He primarily focused his science on communal insect species authoring several groundbreaking and/or authoritative works on them. He also helped found the field of sociobiology in which lessons from social insects drove hypotheses to explain human group behavior. Many of his proposals were not without controversy.
This talk will cover the works and life of one of the greats in evolutionary theory even termed a “natural heir of Darwin.”

Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Previous lectures on film

Podcasts

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Does our technology connect us more, or isolate us more?
2022-02-05 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Does our technology connect us more, or isolate us more?
“Loneliness is different than isolation and solitude. Loneliness is a subjective feeling where the connections we need are greater than the connections we have. In the gap, we experience loneliness. It’s distinct from the objective state of isolation, which is determined by the number of people around you.” ~Vivek Murthy
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Beragon's Bistro: Comparative Education
2022-02-05 10:00 - 11:00 | The Lighthouse Café
With the recent conclusion of VWBPE 2022 in SL, let’s share our thoughts and experiences of education in different countries. Share your experience of education in your native country or in countries where you attended school. What are academics saying about methods and approaches? What do studies show? How do different countries cope with shortages of resources? How does culture affect education? Join us for support and community.

A discussion hosted by Matt Burr at the Light house Cafe

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Science Communication in, or in preparation for a pandemic
2022-01-29 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Science Communication in, or in preparation for a pandemic

Mitigating the damage of the COVID-19 pandemic has been hugely dependent on society’s adoption of personal protective measures to curb the spread of the virus. Misinformation has also been cited as a threat to the employment of countermeasures like vaccines. To what extent is the public understanding of the mechanisms by which diseases spread or medical solutions function important in improving survival outcomes during a pandemic? Is it sufficient or perhaps better to be reliant on expert opinions and policies alone?

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CRISPR Year in Review 2021
2022-01-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Every year there are new advances in genome engineering enabled by CRISPR/Cas editing systems. In this talk, the most important and interesting news in CRISPR-based gene editing from 2021 will be presented. Come learn about Technology Advances, New Tools, Intellectual Property, and Target Genes and Modified Organisms from a practitioner in the field. This year’s emphasis will be on the wide range of uses and modifications in medicine and agriculture.
Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

Podcasts

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Organic Chem Basics: Diels-Alder and similar reactions
2022-01-22 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Organic Chem Basics: Diels-Alder and similar reactions
The 2021 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to Dr. Benjamin List (Max PLack Institute) and Dr. David MacMillam (Princeton University) for “the development of asymmetric organocatalysis.” One of the first reactions that they found could be catalyzed by purely organic compounds was the Diels-Alder reaction. The Diels-Alder reaction is a well-known example of a fundamental class of reactions in organic chemistry, and it can proceed unaided, be catalyzed by metal-containing compounds, or most recently catalyzed by purely organic species. We’ll talk about what makes the Diels-Alder reaction special, and how it has been catalyzed in the past, and why the recent Nobel prize is seen as a jump forward.
A presentation by Dr Michael J. Shaw

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Beragon's Bistro: Webb Telescope
2022-01-22 10:00 - 11:00 | The Lighthouse Café
By NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope

From arrival at the ESA launch Facility in Kourou French Guiana, through launch and deployment, the pages linked here are your starting point for exploring Webb’s launch and commissioning.
James Webb SPACE TELESCOPE

The Insane Engineering of James Webb Telescope

A discussion hosted by Matt Burr at the Light house Cafe

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The James Webb Space Telescope: A Summary
2022-01-22 09:30 - 10:00 | Auditorium
The James Webb Space Telescope: A Summary
I briefly review the science mission of the JWST and discuss its potential discoveries. I do this in the context of the discoveries of Webb’s predecessor, the Hubble Space Telescope.
– W. F. Wall / Syzygy Asymptote

Dr. William Wall
Previous work in the Library

Previous presentations in the Film Collection

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Events or discoveries that inspire your love for Science
2022-01-15 21:00 - 22:00 | Fireside
Events or discoveries that inspire your love for Science

“Beautiful, beautiful. Magnificent desolation.” -NASA astronaut Buzz Aldrin as he followed Armstrong onto the moon’s surface
“Every brilliant experiment, like every great work of art, starts with an act of imagination.” -Jonah Lehrer

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2020s Vision: The Future Is Nearly Now
2022-01-15 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
In a daily fog of uncertainty, we may lose track of transformational changes just over the horizon. So where are we headed? Some of the world’s smartest people in government, social research, academia, business, economics, science, and other fields have looked 20 years into the future and seen a time of abundance and shared opportunities. Let’s update on evolving technologies and trends from an optimistic perspective beyond the turmoil of today.
Presentation by Dr. Steven Van Hook

Bio: Dr. Steven R. Van Hook has taught transcultural communications and global affairs for twenty years. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio reporter, and television bureau chief in Moscow; and has directed public education programs through the United States Agency for International Development, VISTA, and Head Start. He has a PhD specializing in transcultural learning, and is published in scholarly journals including SAGE, and UNESCO’s Prospects. Research website: http://wwmr.us

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Deep Learning
2022-01-08 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Deep Learning
In 2021 I had the opportunity to give a presentation on computer vision and bias in artificial intelligence. I touched on a subset of AI methods termed “Deep learning”. In this presentation I hope to discuss the principles and utility of these methods, share some of my experiences in learning about and applying them and tell you why I think it’s super cool that computers can mimic processes in our brains to process information.
A presentation by Karthik P., Graduate Student.

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The Role of the Greeks in Science and Math Concept
2022-01-08 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The ancient Greeks were instrumental in developing fundamental concepts in a wide range of science and math disciplines such as Palaeontology, Geometry, Medicine, Astronomy, and Physics. I am by no means an expert on this topic but will present what I know in voice and participants are free to share their knowledge on this topic in local chat.
Presentation by Dr. Bill Schmachtenberg

Dr. William Schmachtenberg

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

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The Future is Now
2022-01-01 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
The Future is Now
In a daily fog of uncertainty, we may lose track of transformational changes just over the horizon. So where are we headed? Some of the world’s smartest people in government, social research, academia, business, economics, science, and other fields have looked 20 years into the future and seen a time of abundance and shared opportunities. Let’s update on evolving technologies and trends from an optimistic perspective beyond the turmoil of today.

Dr. Steven R. Van Hook has taught transcultural communications and global affairs for twenty years. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio reporter, and television bureau chief in Moscow; and has directed public education programs through the United States Agency for International Development, VISTA, and Head Start. He has a PhD specializing in transcultural learning, and is published in scholarly journals including SAGE, and UNESCO’s Prospects. Research website: http://wwmr.us

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A Biological Perspective on Mating Dynamics in a Sex Ratio Imbalanced Population
2022-01-01 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
The basic tenet of biology is reproduction to continue the species. Evolution and genetics has programmed every species’ to follow behaviors to ensure the next generation. This genetic programming influences the mating game between the sexes in those species even in “higher” cognitive species such as humans. The interplay between conscious and subconscious driven behaviors is increasingly complicated to understand as society becomes increasingly complicated compared to “cave-man” days. One aspect of human biology without intervention is that the birth rate of male to female is 50/50. One aspect of most historical and modern societies is a cultural trend towards life-long pair bonding being encouraged and even legally enforced in some cases. Research has suggested a correlation to economic and social stability in such monogamy encouraged societies.
China and India are notable case exceptions to the gender balance. Cultural practices has lead to an overabundance of men. These have important consequences for the mating game in those countries now and the foreseeable future. Japan similarly has had cultural practices leading to a current stagnation of dating today, developing the monikers: dating “‘herbivores” and “celibacy syndrome”
This presentation will explore initially the biology of sexual reproduction in vertebrates and humans, the development of monogamy practices in history, then look to reconcile or at least understand better the current society/cultural situation in these countries.

Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

Podcasts

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David Rumsey Map Islands
2021-12-31 07:00 - 08:00 | David Rumsey Map Islands
Image credits to the “David Rumsey Map Collection Center,” from Stanford Libraries in Second Life.
David Rumsey donated his entire physical map collection to Stanford University, where it is housed in the David Rumsey Map Center at the Stanford University Library.
David Rumsey Cartography Map Islands
Today we visit these four beautiful regions and it is advisable to read the accompanying description below in advance. These regions offer different cartographic visualizations and activities. You can also use a “Flight pack” to facilitate navigation in the regions.

ABOUT DAVID RUMSEY MAP COLLECTION
The David Rumsey Collection was started nearly 20 years ago, and focuses primarily on cartography of the Americas from the 18th and 19th centuries, but also has maps of the World, Asia, Africa, Europe, and Oceania. The collection includes atlases, globes, school geographies, books, maritime charts, and a variety of separate maps, including pocket, wall, children’s and manuscript.
Digitization of the project began in 1997. The project was undertaken for numerous reasons: Maps are uniquely suitable to high-resolution scanning because they contain large amounts of detailed information, which can be seen more readily when the viewer is able to zoom in and enlarge images on a computer screen. Viewed over the Internet, rare maps become available to those who previously had no access to such collections or were not aware of the maps’ existence. In their original form, maps and atlases can be large, delicate, and unwieldy. Digitization increases their accessibility, and combined with an online catalog allows the viewer a variety of ways to search the collection.
Presenting individual maps in a digital format literally breaks the boundaries of an atlas’s bookbinding, allowing the viewer to view single maps independent of their original encasing. With Luna Imaging’s Insight® software, the maps are experienced in a revolutionary way. Multiple maps from different time periods can be viewed side-by-side. Or, the end user can create their own collection of maps by saving groups of images that hold particular interest. Complete cataloging data accompanies every image, allowing for in-depth searches of the collection.
Materials that were created in America and that illustrate the evolution of the country’s history, culture, and population distinguish the collection. Close inspection of the maps often reveals the rise and fall of towns, mining excavations, the unfolding of the railroads, and the “discovery” of the American West by European explorers. The collection also includes European imprints containing maps of the Americas that were influential to American cartographers, as well as maps of other parts of the world distinguished by great craftsmanship, significance and beauty.
ABOUT CARTOGRAPHY ASSOCIATES
Cartography Associates, founded in 1996, promotes the distribution of digital facsimiles both in print and electronic media. Specializing in both primary source documents and cutting-edge technology, Cartography Associates is committed to developing tools that integrate cataloging with visual images on the Internet. CA’s vision is to offer users the best of both worlds: the powerful searching, access, and user functionality made possible by technology, combined with the visual beauty, technical mastery and intellectual richness of original source materials.
COPYRIGHT INFORMATION
Images copyright © 2000 by Cartography Associates. Images may be reproduced or transmitted, but not for commercial use. For commercial use or commercial republication, contact carto@luna-img.com. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons License. By downloading any images from this site, you agree to the terms of that license.
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THE WELCOME GIFTSHOP
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FIRST FLOOR:
8 dynamic map viewers. These map viewers allow you to look at maps in great detail. You can pan and zoom maps by clicking on the buttons associated with each task.
SECOND FLOOR:
Free giveaways. David Rumsey has offered to giveaway 40 various maps for use in your SL home as wall hangers. In addition to these beautiful maps, we have also created some fun objects as well. Orrery’s and globes can be used in your library or home for decorative purposes. A great way to take the experience home with you.
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WORLD MAP – PUSH PIN ANNOTATION
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We love hearing where people come from. The world map that sits outside the gift shop build is a dynamic map that allows public annotation. Simply click on any surface of the world map to rez 1 push pin. Then follow these instructions.
– Locate your hometown.
– Click on the surface of the world map to rez a red map pin.
– Touch and hold the push pin, then move it to your hometown.
– Type in the name of your hometown.
– Type in your comments > hit enter.
– Your comments are now tagged onto the map for everyone to read.
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YOSEMITE TERRAIN
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While you are here, you will notice that the entire region is covered in a map terrain. The map you are looking at is a map of Yosemite. The terrain elevation you are also looking at is “real terrain” brought into SL by utilizing real topography height elevation models. In essence you are really flying through Yosemite. If your avatar was about 3 inches tall, this entire estate would represent a 1:1 scale.
As you near the center of the estate you will see a circle platform that houses some controls. You can set the bright effects, and alpha effects of each sim. Try clicking on “elevation off” to see the map represented as a flat map.
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CELESTIAL & GLOBE SPHERES
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Our estate houses 2 large spheres. These spheres are impressive in size, and level of detail. Explore the world globe, or gaze into the celestial skies. You can even fly inside of it (phantom) and see what’s hidden inside.
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GRAND CANYON PARRALAX
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The grand canyon illustration that you see framed on our sim has very impressive details. The sense of depth in this image is amazing, so we decided to show it as a layered parralax so that you can appreciate its sense of depth.
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OLD NEWYORK 1836
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Explore the streets of NYC in 1836. This map has superb detail, down to the street level. While you are viewing the map, try changing camera angles to look at it straight on. You can also sit on the map pointers.
– Right click and sit on the map pointer (choose a color)
– Click on the map pointer color that you are sitting on.
– Mouselook tab should appear. When this does, use your arrow keys to move around the map.
– When done, simple click on the “standup” tab.

Follow Your Food
2021-12-30 07:00 - 08:00 | Fireside
Follow Your Food
Corn, rice, and wheat constitute 51% of the calories humans consume. However, many other heritage crops are important local staples or more highly identified with a culture. Modern agriculture is also starting to recognize the nutritional value or hardiness of many of these crops. This event recognizes these less mainstream crops. Stephen Xootfly will present on 3 upcoming heritage crops: tef, cassava, and sorghum and some of the crop engineering happening with them.
But, this is a participation event. So, bring to the table either a snippet (picture) of some important crop from your heritage and/or a prepared dish and recipe.

Chouchou
2021-12-28 07:00 - 08:00 | Chouchou
Chouchou is a Japanese music duo consisting of vocalist juliet Heberle and pianist arabesque Choche, which is formed in a virtual world where there’s no national borders or boundaries.
Chouchou cinematic HUD is a fantastic tool to be completely soaked in the world of Chouchou.
You’ll feel like you’re in a cinema by just wearing this HUD.
HUD free of charge at entry point.
– Chouchou –
Vocal: juliet Heberle
Music: arabesque Choche
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Follow the Food
2021-12-27 07:00 - 08:00 | Auditorium
