Undergraduates Develop Job Skills by Creating Interactive Software for Reserve Visitors - NERRS/NSC(NERRS Science Collaborative)

This project supported the development of new, innovative visitor displays at three national estuarine research reserves. Guana Tolomato Matanzas, Mission-Aransas, and Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserves partnered with University of Delaware students to produce educational, gesture-controlled computer games installed on interactive screens in each reserve’s exhibit hall. Participants explore the dynamic nature of estuarine systems as they navigate situations involving plants, animals and people that draw from recent research at the reserves and illustrate common issues faced by estuaries across the country. The games offer visitors interactive learning opportunities and encourage stewardship by exploring actions individuals, families and communities can take to promote ecosystem resilience. This science transfer project was funded by NOAA through the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Science Collaborative to promote the use of science. It did not produce any new data.

The visitor's centers at the Guana Tolomato Matanzas, Mission-Aransas, and Delaware National Estuarine Research Reserves previously had largely hands-off exhibits with limited interactive components. This project improved visitors' experiences, understanding, and engagement with locally relevant science and estuarine conservation. At the same time, it offered undergraduate students at the University of Delaware's software engineering program real-world experience with game design to prepare them for a competitive workforce.

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This project was handed over from Kenneth Rainier to a new PI: Maggie Pletta, Delaware NERR, Margaret.Pletta@delaware.gov

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Cite this dataset when used as a source: NOAA retains the right to analyze, synthesize and publish summaries of the NERRS/NSC data. The NERRS/NSC retains the right to be fully credited for having collected and process the data. Following academic courtesy standards, the NERR site where the data were collected should be contacted and fully acknowledged in any subsequent publications in which any part of the data are used. The data enclosed within this package/transmission are only as accurate as the quality assurance and quality control procedures that are described in the associated metadata reporting statement allow. The user bears all responsibility for its subsequent use/misuse in any further analyses or comparisons. The Federal government does not assume liability to the Recipient or third persons, nor will the Federal government reimburse or indemnify the Recipient for its liability due to any losses resulting in any way from the use of this data. Requested citation format: NOAA National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Science Collaborative(NSC).