INDUSTRY

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA -- Science center visitors in Alabama will experience and interact with the world's scientific discoveries using the same SGI® (NYSE: SGI) technology that leading researchers depend on for ground breaking discoveries. The Superlab, a new interactive, immersive learning facility to be installed by Sci-Quest, the North Alabama Science Center, Inc., will house an SGI® Reality Center(TM) facility. This state-of-the-art facility will allow children and teachers from preschool through 12th, along with visitors of all ages, to participate in experiential learning in a highly realistic, immersive visual environment that Sci-Quest will use to promote science education. A federally funded project supported by Alabama's Rep. Bud Cramer and Sen. Richard Shelby and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the Superlab facility will accommodate up to 60 students and an instructor. The SGI solution was selected in part for its capacity to create the real-time stereo-viewing experience necessary for an immersive visual environment. An SGI® Onyx® 300 visualization system will generate rich three-dimensional graphics from complex data sources and present the fastest, most realistic visualization possible. By implementing the SGI Visual Area Networking solution using OpenGL Vizserver(TM) 2.0 software, Sci-Quest will be able to distribute content generated by Onyx 300 via the Internet to students and teachers in classrooms all over Alabama and the region. "We are very fortunate to have in SGI a technology partner that can deliver not only advanced visualization and interaction capabilities but also access to world-class content from NASA and Jet Propulsion Laboratories, as well as institutions around the globe," said J.D. Horne, executive director of Sci-Quest. "The combination of SGI Reality Center technology, Visual Area Networking and the Virtual Science Network will make Superlab the first interactive educational resource of its kind and provide a critical public service by stimulating the interest children have in science." SGI Professional Services designed a cost-effective solution including hardware, software, support and training that addressed Sci-Quest's requests and, in fact, anticipated future needs, resulting in an immersive learning environment that is well ahead of the state of the art in science center applications. Funding for Superlab is part of a $2.925 million grant from NASA and SGI was chosen as the prime contractor on the project. SGI Professional Services and Alabama-based subcontractors COLSA Corporation, Sentar and Reveal Technologies will combine efforts and begin work this June to develop an immersive learning system with modules for specific age groups. "Sci-Quest's vision for the Superlab really challenged the SGI team. SGI Professional Services was able to provide a complete solution by leveraging the strengths of our partners, while taking full advantage of SGI Reality Center technologies with Visual Area Networking," said Patrick Yearick, consulting sales representative, SGI Professional Services. "Our design for Sci-Quest really pushes the envelope for large-format/large-audience interactive stereo theaters while building in an educational environment from the ground floor. We are delighted to play a critical role in helping Sci-Quest achieve its vision for immersive science education." When the Superlab opens its doors at the end of the year, students will be able to learn about the physics of space and about weather forecasting by viewing and interacting with visual representations of data from "live" sources such as the space missions and weather satellites. As the instructor progresses through the data visualization, pop-up facts and questions will prompt students to respond using touch-screen displays. Instructors also will be able to teach students with extremely refined graphical representations of "invisible" phenomena, such as the human heart or the aerodynamics of automobile design. "Using cutting-edge technology, the Superlab will help make learning fun by using real-time, interactive computer graphics and simulations to allow our children to explore the world around them. With the multi-dimensional sounds and visuals, children can be involved in what they see and learn," said Cramer. "There is a decline in the number of young people interested in science and engineering careers, which are vital to our high-tech economy here in North Alabama and across our nation. Sci-Quest gets kids interested at a young age in science and math, and with this new alliance with SGI, they can enjoy this interactive world of discovery even more." "I am proud to have played a role in making the Superlab facility a reality for North Alabama," added Shelby. The Superlab solution will be designed with open system architecture, so that Sci-Quest has the option to create new content, such as graphical presentations of research results from local scientists and university research organizations. In addition, visitors will be able to access work from leading museums, science centers and research organizations around the world that are members of SGI's Virtual Science Network. For example, children might learn about the sun using information from the solar telescope Lockheed Martin built for the Transition Region and Coronal Explorer, a NASA mission launched in 1998. They also might virtually visit the National Air and Space Museum's "Earth Today" exhibit in Washington, D.C., to study the environment with the help of a 10-foot-diameter, high-resolution image of the Earth based on the latest international environmental conditions. "By using SGI technology in an immersive, interactive, educational facility that brings sophisticated research to life, Superlab sets a new standard for science education in a museum setting," said Chodi McReynolds, director for education and sciences, SGI. "The SGI Reality Center facility will demonstrate the tremendous advantage that visual representation of complex topics brings to people's understanding of science." The Superlab announcement follows similar news in March, when the Glasgow Science Centre introduced its immersive theater incorporating SGI Reality Center technology and became the first science center in Europe to present extremely complex scientific data to the public in a compelling fashion. SGI's customers include many of the world's greatest science centers, planetariums and museums that are using visualization to offer high-resolution imagery and interactive capabilities in theater settings. Content can be quickly updated in response to new discoveries or the latest news, creating a compelling and educational experience.