Science Circle

Halloween around the world, past, present and future
2022-10-29 21:00 - 22:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Science Circle East Field
Halloween around the world, past, present and future
Rounding off the month of October and bidding farewell to the spooky season once again, we will discuss how this holiday is celebrated in your country, if at all.
We’ll also discuss your opinions on the future of Halloween, will it become more prolific as time goes on?

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Classical Concert
2022-10-30 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-11-06 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-11-13 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-11-20 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-11-27 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-12-04 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-12-11 07:00 - 08:00, 2022-12-18 07:00 - 08:00 | The Lighthouse Café

Basics of Dynamic Equilibrium
2022-11-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Basics of Dynamic Equilibrium
When is a chemical reaction over? Sometimes reactions never finish, they just achieve a state where no further change appears to occur on the macroscopic level. Welcome to the world we live in, a world where chemical changes constantly occur in an attempt to rebalance systems that are pushed out of a steady state. Equilibria allow systems to resist changes, for example the pH of blood is maintained in a life-sustaining narrow range by “buffers”, i.e. agents which resist large concentration swings by acids or bases. These systems are surprisingly easy to describe and model, yet support surprising diversity and complexity. In this talk, we’ll discuss relevant properties and examples of such equilibrium systems.
A presentation by Dr. Mike J. Shaw

Dr. Mike J. Shaw

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

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Addressing Overpopulation
2022-11-05 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle East Field
Addressing Overpopulation
Overpopulation.
A 21st century problem that nobody seems to know how, or want to, address. But with each passing day it becomes a bigger issue, as more people are added to the world.
Today we will discuss this problem, why it’s so hard to address, and how we could find a solution before it’s too late.

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Autumn Leaf Colors
2022-11-12 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium

Basics of Dynamic Equilibrium
2022-11-12 21:00 - 22:00 | Auditorium
Basics of Dynamic Equilibrium
When is a chemical reaction over? Sometimes reactions never finish, they just achieve a state where no further change appears to occur on the macroscopic level. Welcome to the world we live in, a world where chemical changes constantly occur in an attempt to rebalance systems that are pushed out of a steady state. Equilibia allow systems to resist changes, for example the pH of blood is maintained in a life-sustaining narrow range by “buffers”, i.e. agents which resist large concentration swings by acids or bases. These systems are surprisingly easy to describe and model, yet support surprising diversity and complexity. In this talk, we’ll discuss relevant properties and examples of such equilibrium systems.
A presentation by Dr Michael J. Shaw.

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Identity, Presence and the Ageless Avatar in Social Virtual Worlds
2022-11-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Identity, Presence and the Ageless Avatar in Social Virtual Worlds.

So, who are we as avatars? For many of us, we have that “ageless” look—a largely socially constructed vision of youthfulness, good health, and gender perfection. And why not? . . . If it is possible, then do it . . . right? But what does that say about us in our avatar forms? The purpose of this talk is not to focus on the ageless avatar, per se; but to use it as a metaphor and starting point to engage the assumptions and decision-making processes that go into what we (and others) see in our avatars—i.e., to explore avatar identity formation and presentation. My comments are framed in terms of the mainly social science literature related to avatars (yes, there is one!), and reflect my recent work on a geographical guide to social virtual worlds and their places. I look at questions that include: What leads us to don an electronic embodiment? Is the avatar “look” important? What is the relationship between the avatar and the avatar’s user? And how does social presence play a role in the avatar experience? In the end, I doubt that anybody will change his/her avatar—I will certainly keep my, ahem, “age-defying,” look—but perhaps we will understand better our avatar dynamics and add to our own self-knowledge.

Meryl McBride/Merrill Johnson, Ph.D.
Professor of Geography
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado

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Ideas around the world
2022-11-19 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle East Field
Ideas around the world
Today we’re celebrating Ideas from across the world and all walks in life. We’ll discuss any ideas from your own country, or anywhere else in the world, that you wish to share!

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Recent Advances in Understanding Aging
2022-11-26 10:00 - 11:00 | Auditorium
Recent Advances in Understanding Aging
Like taxes, getting old and dying is a certainty. But the reasons for why and how it happens are only recently being understood at the physiological and molecular level. Traditionally people thought aging to just be a “wearing down” of cells that leads to breakdown eventually of something important. But the discoveries of premature aging syndromes caused by defective genes and new understanding of gene regulation have ushered in a new wave of understanding the fundamentals of how aging actually commences. There are many facets to the new wave of research so this talk will focus on how DNA damage and inflammation are being proposed as key to understanding aging. A final review of some “anti-aging” or even “reverse aging” pharmacology will be touched upon. Some people think it could become less “certain”.
Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Dr. Stephen L. Gasior

Previous lectures on film

Podcasts

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Country Appreciation
2022-11-26 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle East Field
Country Appreciation
This week we will show appreciation for our home countries, come and share/teach us your favorite tings about your country, be it food, discoveries, holidays, etc.

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STEM Island First Look tour
2022-12-03 10:00 - 11:00 | STEM Island
The Science Circle’s physical presence in Second Life is now a mini continent consisting of its namesake region plus Chemistry World to the south and STEM Island to the north, all within a consortium of roughly 75 educational regions known as the VWEC Eduverse. Today we will take a ‘first look’ at STEM Island.

This is a region under construction with most of what I want to do with it still in my head, so while we have a look around I want to stop at several places to share with you my vision for both the physical and educational design of STEM Island and the background concepts that support this vision. Topics include:
—How does STEM Island fit into the Mission of The Science Circle and purpose of the VWEC Eduverse?
—What is the concept of STEM and the importance of STEM education today?
—What learning styles will be accommodated on STEM Island?
—What is the concept of an encyclopedia or compendium and how will this be realized on STEM Island?
—What is the concept of open access and how with STEM Island as a virtual world support this idea?

Come join me on this “first look tour” of STEM Island and share any ideas you might have with me as I share my vision with you.
Field trip by Dr. Phil Youngblood

Dr. Phil Youngblood

Previous lectures on film

Podcast

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Our Favorite places
2022-12-03 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle region
Our Favorite Places
Kicking off fieldtrip month with a visit to our favorite places in Second Life! Join us on a trip around the grid, share your favorite places in Second Life and we’ll visit them together!

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Academia in VW and what’s up at Educare
2022-12-10 10:00 - 11:00 | Educare
Virtual World learning is now pinging louder on the radar of academic administrators. Talk of the Metaverse may have confounded the issue, but the benefits of immersive experience are proven. The Educare region provides a gentle first-time orientation for newcomers (and hesitant returnees) to explore VW education possibilities. For this ‘tour’ please land at the Orientation Dome, give it a quick walk-through, then climb the stairs to the large lit Auditorium above. Throughout your visit, please try the perspective of a first-time VW visitor as you assess Educare region resources and rides. Welcome!
Field trip by Dr. Steven Van Hook

Bio: Dr. Steven R. Van Hook has taught mixed-format courses in cross-cultural communications and global affairs for the University of California and other universities in the United States and abroad. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, TV news anchor, and television bureau chief in Moscow covering the fall of the Soviet Union. He has directed international public education campaigns through the United States Agency for International Development. He has a PhD specializing in transcultural learning, and is published in scholarly journals including SAGE, and UNESCO’s Prospects. Research website

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Caledon Oxbridge
2022-12-10 21:00 - 22:00 | Caledon Oxbridge
Caledon Oxbridge
Abstract pending.

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OpenSimulator Community Conference
2022-12-11 08:30 - 09:00
OpenSimulator Community Conference – Dec 10-11, 2022

What is Opensimulator and what is The Science Circle doing there?
You have probably heard of the virtual world platform of Opensimulator or one of its grids like Kitely, OSGrid, Craft World, etc. But, unless you’ve been prompted to try it out, it has remained a backdrop to your virtual digital life. However, many users and schools and companies have found (and helped create) it as a vibrant platform for exploration, art, education, role-play, and business. Science Circle has had their own grid for almost 10 years now using it for developing science-based learning opportunities.
Your presenter has also explored Opensim for learning activities. First, in response to an Intel call for proposals to develop educational experiences, then transitioned to developing and self hosting the Virtual Islands for Better Education initiative along with several other educators. He was also involved in MOSES, a military Opensim training platform, and in organizing the Opensimulator Community Conference a couple years. He also enjoyed going on “safari” which were a couple groups that explored Opensim grids for fun.
This talk with focus on providing an introduction to Opensim as a platform and the opportunities for virtual engagement. Then focus specifically on the history and content of the Science Circle grid.
Presentation by Dr. Stephen Gasior (Xootfly)

Caledon Oxbridge University (COU)
2022-12-17 10:00 - 11:00 | Caledon Oxbridge
Caledon Oxbridge University (COU), established in January 2009, is an inworld teaching center focused on Second Life™ Skills COU is located in the Steampunk-Victorian estate of Caledon but is operated independently (i.e. COU is a tenant organization). COU is kept above the waves entirely by community support. COU is a general-rated, homestead. Apart from the general-rating, no particular dress-code is enforced. Rules are enforced to maintain a safe space with priority given to teaching and learning. COU has seasonal decorations, currently including an ice-rink and free skates.
The self-paced tutorial at Caledon Oxbridge starts in the introduction building with a circle of kiosks explaining the basics of Second Life and setting forth COU’s rules. On exiting this building, one is in the central plaza, where there often are live “tutors” to answer questions and provide help. The COU lecture hall, where walk-in classes are held, is also in this area. On the far side of the plaza, the tutorial continues through six “Colleges”: Avatar Motion, Camera Control, Communication, Finding, Avatar Customization, and Money & Commerce.
Other buildings on the Caledon Oxbridge region include: Hall of Caledon (where the Caledon Quest beings), Café Vox and the Oxbridge shop, the Oxbridge Train Station (and freebie center), the Caledon Air Transport Station (CATS), and the Oxbridge branch of the Caledon Library System.
Just over the border in the Caledon Oxbridge Village region, are the overflow Chat Circle, a seasonal ice rink, and the pub.
A field trip with Keith Grant, Ph.D

Note: This region has limited access (20), be on time.

Educare Update
2022-12-17 21:00 - 22:00 | Educare
Educare Update
Virtual World learning is now pinging louder on the radar of academic administrators. Talk of the Metaverse may have confounded the issue, but the benefits of immersive experience are proven. The Educare region provides a gentle first-time orientation for newcomers (and hesitant returnees) to explore VW education possibilities. For this ‘tour’ please land at the Orientation Dome, give it a quick walk-through, then climb the stairs to the large lit Auditorium above. Throughout your visit, please try the perspective of a first-time VW visitor as you assess Educare region resources and rides.
Welcome!
Dr. Steven R. Van Hook has taught mixed-format courses in cross-cultural communications and global affairs for the University of California and other universities in the United States and abroad. He’s been a newspaper columnist, radio talk show host, TV news anchor, and television bureau chief in Moscow covering the fall of the Soviet Union. He has directed international public education campaigns through the United States Agency for International Development. 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 tour of Chemistry World
2022-12-24 10:00 - 11:00 | Chemistry World
A tour of Chemistry World
Chemistry World was established as a joint venture between Texas A&M University and the Florida Institute of Technology by Dr. K (Dr. Wendy Keeney-Kennicutt) and Winkelmann Teichmann (Dr. Kurt Winkelman) as part of NSF-funded research to examine the effectiveness of virtual worlds in the teaching of chemistry content. They worked with Xandi Mars and Random Cole, SL designers who are based in Texas and who work extensively with Texas A&M. The results of the study were published in the Journal of Chemical Education (see https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jchemed.6b00733). The result is an asset to the chemistry education community in Second Life which supports a realistic teaching environment which includes a laboratory, a classroom, offices to meet with TAs/faculty, and space to “hang out”. In addition there is an area for practicing camera skills, and a series of platforms which host two laboratory experiments which include an ideal gas law activity and a precipitation titration activity.
Amidst the SARS-COVID-2 pandemic in late Spring 2020, Dr. Shaw assumed management of the region. The idea was to use its facilities to supplement the lab activities for a freshman chemistry for engineers course, for which it has been used every semester since Fall 2020. his tour will highlight the facilities built as part of the original study, and new features such as bioinorganic models, solid state structures, and the new Tantramar Marsh restoration area built by Delia Lake.
The tour will begin at the Northeast corner of the sim, where the land connects to the Science Circle region.
A tour by Dr. Mike J. Shaw

Dr. Mike J. Shaw

Reference work in the library

Previous lectures on film

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Science Circle in Open Sim
2022-12-24 21:00 - 22:00 | Science Circle region
Science Circle in Open Sim
You have probabaly heard of the virtual world platform of Opensimulator or one of its grids like Kitely, OSGrid, Craft World, etc. But, unless you’ve been prompted to try it out, it has remained a backdrop to your virtual digital life. However, many users and schools and companies have found (and helped create) it as a vibrant platform for exploration, art, education, role-play, and business. Science Circle has had their own grid for almost 10 years now using it for developing science-based learning opportunities.
Your presenter has also explored Opensim for learning activites. First, in response to an Intel call for proposals to develop educational experiences, then transitioned to developing and self hosting the Virtual Islands for Better Education initiative along with several other educators. He was also involved in MOSES, a military Opensim tranining platform, and in organzing the Opensimulator Community Conference a couple years. He also enjoyed going on “safari” which were a couple groups that explored Opensim grids for fun.
This talk with focus on providing an introduction to Opensim as a platform and the opportunies for virtual engagement. Then focus specifically on the history and content of the Science Circle grid.

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Time Travel
2022-12-26 07:00 - 08:00
In an annual tradition, we visit the most eye-catching regions in Second Life for 5 days in a row at 7 AM PST between Christmas and New Year’s. Join us and discover unprecedented worlds and the diverse communities of Second Life.
We start this series with a visit to the Time Portal…

Royal Opera
2022-12-27 07:00 - 08:00
In an annual tradition, we visit the most eye-catching regions in Second Life for 5 days in a row at 7 AM PST between Christmas and New Year’s. Join us and discover unprecedented worlds and the diverse communities of Second Life.

National Space Society
2022-12-28 07:00 - 08:00

Museum Island
2022-12-29 07:00 - 08:00
