Think science is boring? Think video games are a waste of time? Students at the School of Information Studies (iSchool) disagree. A group of student programmers, artists and researchers are launching two unique video games designed to make science fun. The Citizen Sort project features two video games, “Happy Match” and “Forgotten Island,” where engaging gameplay mixes with real science to help biologists classify photographs from the field.
The Citizen Sort team is hosting an open house launch event on Monday, Sept. 24, from noon-2 p.m. in Room 011 (Innovation Studio) in Hinds Hall. The event is open to the public. Student designers will be on hand to talk about their work, and the event will also showcase concept art, drawings and behind-the-scenes info about the making of “Forgotten Island” and “Happy Match.”
Citizen Sort, a research project at the iSchool, has two main goals: helping scientists to classify animal, plant and insect species and exploring how video games can motivate non-scientists to participate in real-world scientific activities. Citizen Sort’s research will help future projects evaluate the use of video games in science and education.
“Happy Match” is a twist on the classic matching game. Players classify up to 10 photos per game and answer questions from scientists for points. Players can compete or collaborate with friends for the highest score.
“Forgotten Island” is a point-and-click adventure game where the player takes on the role of a lost explorer. Players are challenged to unearth the secrets of the mysterious island, solve puzzles and use their handy Atomic Classifier machine to do real science while saving the day.
Whitney Phillips, assistant professor in the Department of Communication and Rhetorical Studies in the College of Visual and Performing Arts, wrote an op-ed for Wired titled “We Need to Talk About Talking About QAnon.” Phillips, an expert on social media,…
Jennifer Grygiel, assistant professor of communications in the Newhouse School, was quoted by USA Today for the story “Twitter’s get-out-the-vote campaign push will be in your face Tuesday.” The get-out-the-vote campaign comes as a push from Twitter, along with other…
Roy Gutterman, associate professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the Newhouse School and director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, was quoted by Roll Call for the article “Campus Notebook: Unattended gun in Capitol bathroom need not…
Roy Gutterman, associate professor of magazine, news and digital journalism in the Newhouse School and director of the Tully Center for Free Speech, had an op-ed published in the Washington Post, “Why individuals, not governments, should safeguard free speech.” Gutterman…
Professor of Supply Chain Management and wine industry expert Burak Kazaz says along with exacting a heavy human toll, West Coast wildfires will also affect the flavor of your favorite California wine. Smoke from devastating wildfires isn’t only filling the…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
