I'm at NSTA in Chicago. There have been quite a few teachers visiting Biome4Kids. I realized I have to do something to make getting an avatar easier. So I made "Magical Invisible Eyes" to put on first. Then you can just put on the avatar folder. There's instructions in the log cabin.

Also, I am scheduling some welcoming tutorials for people who might be hesitant to try it on your own. Check the calendar for dates and time. The tutorials include a How-to-get-started one-on-one session and a tour (if so desired). Be sure to contact me via email or fill out the application in here so I can meet you and invite you to the group. Remember, Biome4Kids is for kids (in or out of school) and teachers only.

Finally I need some kids to volunteer to meet me after school or on a Saturday as part of a "Think Tank". I want a variety of ages, a variety of geographic areas, and a variety of interests to create ideas for teaching science (or other topics) in Biome4Kids. Have the kids email me at clowe@nmu.edu if they are interested.

The Deerton kids (7th and 8th graders) are building a food web! Below are some pictures of the animals they have built so far. The red cones are parts of arrows that will show the flow within the food web. For now it is on Imaginaria but will eventually be moved to Biosphere to be shared. The open-sided building it is in is called the Life Science Museum and was the idea of one of the students.

Wow, great presentation at the Michigan Science Teachers Association conference in Grand Rapids on Saturday! There was standing room only for Real Kids, Virtual Critters & Amazing Science. I am excited to see some of you teachers come visit! Also, get your own kids in and let them tell you what they think.

If you are here from the conference, please contact me or just log in. I am in Biome4Kids now and have several times scheduled this week while I am on break. The calendar is on this page. You can contact me via email clowe@nmu.edu, twitter CloweyGreenwood, or post a comment here.

You can also find me on Facebook as Carolyn Crouse Lowe and/or join our Facebook VIBE group of virtual world educators.

I'm working on updating the instructional Prezi - the link will work the same. It is very simple to get started. There are three steps - make an account, fill out an application on this website, download and setup the program interface (Singularity Viewer) and log in. Then you get to play with it. You can't break it and it won't break your computer. And it is fun AND educational. NOTE: it works on PCs, Linux or Mac but does not run on iPads or Android. There is an Android app (Lumiya) that works for a low-tech approach - no real interaction with the environment or building - but you can chat and see somewhat. It works great for meetings when you cannot get to a computer.

Finally I will be in Chicago for the National Science Teachers Association next week. Let me know and we can meet up there.

Lots of news right now. Lots of new teachers and preservice teachers (people just finishing up their college education to be certified as teachers). Lots of new kids too. Lots of building going on.

I have set up some times when I will be logged in and you can come visit with me. If you haven't been invited to the group you will need to be sure I do that.

The volcano has been enlarged and upgraded - must be some very strong plate tectonics going on.

Hope to see you soon!

New and improved avatars! Always check back though because Clowey is a building improvement expert. In other words - she updates really well - things generally need updating when she makes them :)

Come visit soon! Watch the calendar for events. we will be having all kinds of introductory events in a week or two!

Welcome

Welcome to Biome4Kids!

While Biome4Kids has been around for a little while, we are just getting started again with updated programming and on a new server named Hedwig. Biome4Kids has a lot of different places to explore and things to learn. Biome4Kids is just that - a world just for kids whether on their own or with their school classes. There are many good ways to learn using virtual worlds and we plan on having all sorts of ways here in our world. Besides that, it's just fun.

Some of the things we have right now are islands dedicated to various exciting environments:

Biome4Kids is the home island is the island where you first land and where you make your avatar after making an account (see the instructions page).

Biome is the home island for the Biome4Kids Mainland. It has places just to hang out, gather, meet in a bigger group and it also has more avatars.

We have four educational islands all built around the idea of Earth Systems Science. This idea stresses that you can learn about the Earth best when you look at different aspects or "spheres" that all interact.

• Biosphere is a place where you can learn about the forests of the earth. You can visit the treehouse. It makes a great classroom too.
• Geosphere is an island with a volcano and other fun geology-based areas and activities.You can even have class in the bottom of the ocean.
• Atmosphere is where you can learn about the weather. Check out the huge weather map you can walk on.   Put in a pin for your place. There's a flying saucer classroom there. You'll have to use the teleporter and let the aliens "beam you up".
• Hydrosphere is where the water is represented. There is a giant microscope with common pond critters for you to study, a wetlands, a river, and a very fun coral reef where you can explore (you can't drown here) or meet in the submarine.

On top of all that, there are two more islands just for fun:

• Seaborgia is a place with an underground maze and above ground places to explore. A pyramid, a castle, a hobbit house and a crystal cave are some of the places you can visit.
• Imaginaria is where you can learn to build and practice all your building skills. Be sure to pick up your items. Oh, and give them a name so if they end up back in your inventory you can find them again.

I will be scheduling regular activities and online "office hours" but, of course, you can visit anytime. Come learn, play, and have fun.