 August
2003
The Virtual Smithsonian
Over 150 artifacts from 14 museums, available on a screen near you.
Grade Level: Pre-K-2, 3-5, 6-8, 9-12, Advanced, Professional
http://2k.si.edu/
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CONTENT:
This site celebrates the Smithsonian's 150 year anniversary by featuring three
hundred and sixty artifacts from the fourteen museums along with a virtual walk
to the Castle. |
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AESTHETICS:
This is a high-tech site that features high-resolution images, video, and audio
clips. It is available in both low and high bandwidth options. Plugins are required
and can be downloaded from the site. |
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ORGANIZATION:
Navigation of this site can be a bit of a challenge, but complete directions for
moving through it are given up front. There is also a handy "help" button
at the bottom of each page. Users should click on "first time visitors"
when they enter the site to have their browser tested for compatibility and it's
also a good idea to choose the "Show Navigation" option, which serves
as a sort of orientation. The site can also be searched by virtual gallery, museum,
or text. |
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REVIEW:
The Virtual Smithsonian is quite fascinating. The exhibits include "high
resolution images, video and audio clips, and artifacts which rotate in 3-D and
morph into other artifacts." The online exhibit is based on the traveling
exhibition, which celebrated the 150th Anniversary of the Institution. The exhibit
includes a selection of the Institution's treasured artifacts and tells the story
of each in an interactive format. More than thirty virtual galleries are included
such as air exploration, butterflies and moths, meteorites, dinosaurs, space exploration,
and much more. There are so many interesting things here that it will keep visitors
coming back for more.
Contact: webmaster@si.edu
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