UCF simulations show implications of climate changes

Although Fort Lauderdale is a considerable distance away, the makings of the technology behind a four-year environmental project began a little bit closer to home: in a UCF simulation lab.

The 34,000-square-foot environmental exhibit is slated to open at the Museum of Discovery and Science in Fort Lauderdale on Nov. 11.

The working relationship between the Museum of Discovery and Science and UCF began in 2004 when the National Science Foundation granted UCF, and the museum as its partner, the funds to begin research for an exhibit.

The research team got to work creating state-centric simulations of everything from the impact of global climate change to how a property would hold up to a Category 5 hurricane. Museum visitors can also interactively learn about climate change implications and other environmentally related issues.

Michael Carney, the experience producer at E2I, a research lab at UCF's Media Convergence Laboratory, led the team from design to final production and has had much experience implementing the augmented reality exhibits that are showcased.

"A unique aspect of our installations is that the visitor is truly augmenting the space by being able to manipulate time, scale and space," Carney said. "They are able to see the long-term results of the choices they make and experiment with a variety of different choices."

In one such exhibit, museumgoers can manipulate another exhibit. Through a live camera feed, guests can augment the reality of the resident river otter habitat, and learn how the addition of chemicals or, in an extreme case, Burmese Pythons would affect the environment.

In another virtual simulation, prehistoric animals are brought to life-size proportions and are shown moving among humans.

E2I Director Eileen Smith says that the eco exploration center will work toward inspiring dialogue about ecological issues through compelling visuals and virtual experiences.

"These are ways to let people play and have discussions about what choices they would make," Smith said. "Remember, the museum is not school – you don't have to explore an exhibit you find boring, you can just walk away."

Through large-format projectors, dynamic audio and touch-screen exhibits, E2I worked toward converging media in surprising ways to make a lasting impression on museum visitors.

Kim Cavendish, CEO and president of the Museum of Discovery and Science, is hopeful that the exhibit will surpass entertainment and provide learning tools for museum visitors.

"We have a lot of environmental issues we are facing in Florida and are addressing many of them with these exhibits – particularly the ones about water," Cavendish said.

"It's important pieces of education we are trying to offer."

While the museum's exhibit will provide beneficial information for visitors of every age group, Smith said that the exhibits will especially cater to students.

"In middle school, students tend to become math and science phobic because they have to work harder," Smith said. "Museums can get people motivated, and we want to prove this."

With the benchmarks in place for the eco discovery center, only time will tell if the E2I-Museum of Discovery and Science collaboration will meet their goals.

Once the eco discovery center opens, goals will be evaluated. The National Science Foundation will be observing visitors interacting with the exhibits and interviewing them as they do so. Until then, the E2I crew will have its hands full installing all of the new technology in the museum's Fort Lauderdale location.

As technology advances at startling rates, the UCF-Museum of Discovery and Science partnership proves that UCF is keeping up with the times while promoting relevant discourse on vital state issues.