Mesopotamia’s diverse contributions in writing, mathematics, literature, and law will come alive again in Discover Babylon TM , a joint project of the Federation of American Scientists Learning Technologies Project, UCLA’s Cuneiform Digital Library Initiative, Escape Hatch Entertainment, and the Walters Art Museum.
Located in what is now modern Iraq—Mesopotamia was the birthplace of written language, the first cities, the concept of the 360° circle and the 24-hour day, not to mention the earliest known laws and literature—yet its contributions are not well known to many Americans. Targeted at ages 8–14, Discover Babylon TM uses sophisticated video gaming strategies and realistic digital environments to engage the learner in challenges and mysteries that can only be solved through developing an understanding of Mesopotamian society, business practices, and trade.
Features include:
* Accurate historical and scientific information
* 3D photorealistic simulations of temple complexes that will allow the user open-ended exploration and discovery
* Contextualization of museum artifacts used by avatars in the virtual environment
* Multi-player game technology
* Question & answer management tools to stimulate learning
* Compelling, age-appropriate challenges and assignments for the player
Discover Babylon TM will facilitate public understanding of the significance of this material for world culture, science and mathematics. It will explore new ways to reassemble and restore the material culture now spread across many different museum and library collections, contribute new research on information management, and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration.
source: www.fas.org/babylon/