How about getting to know the intriguing and imposing Amazon rainforest without leaving home? With the Virtual Forest this is now possible. The game was developed by the team at Espaço Interativo de Ciências (EIC) – a group linked to the Center for Research and Innovation in Biodiversity and Drugs (CIBFar), a Center for Research, Innovation and Diffusion (CEPID) at FAPESP based at the Institute of Physics of São Carlos from the University of São Paulo (IFSC-USP).
In this game, the forest can be explored through a realistic 3D simulation. Digital tools allow the player to learn about the flora and fauna of the biome, as well as the knowledge extracted from it by different ethnicities of the original peoples.
Instead of a person, the tour through the Amazon is guided by an arrow, which locates different plants and animals and teaches about interesting facts about the forest. “During navigation, the player can interact with elements that make up the forest, acquiring general and specific knowledge about the plants and animals that live there. Along the way, the user will be able to participate in questionnaires and win bonuses that will encourage them to interact with members of the media and test the knowledge acquired”, says, in a note, Agência FAPESP.
A multidisciplinary team of experts and students from different areas made up the group responsible for developing the game Floresta Virtual. They were guided by professor Leila Beltramini, from IFSC-USP.
The Virtual Floresta game is suitable for children and young people, it can be used in schools and also for entertainment for the general public. It was developed to be accessed through the browser and is available for free download from the EIC website
( Source: Agência FAPESP/ Katiuscia Mizokami Digital Agro )
