Whyville starting to captivate young Internet audience: site gaining reputation as a safe haven for kids online.WHYVILLE.NET, the popular "virtual world" designed by Caltech scientists to give children 8 to 15 years of age a safe online spot to interact, play and learn, has caught fire. The site, whose parent company is Pasadena-based Numedeon Inc Numedeon Inc. is a Privately held, Pasadena, California Based, virtual world creator. They are widely known for creating "Whyville" the online world for 9-15 year olds, which features "N.I.C.E." The Numedeon Interactive Community Engine. ., has about 1.8 million young members, and has been adding about 60,000 young users a month. Launched in 1999, it has numerous safeguards--like prohibiting adults and requiring a parent's e-mail so that they can track their children's activities--that have enhanced its reputation as a safe online haven for kids. Whyville "citizens"--ages 8 to 15--can play games, but also take jobs that teach them various skills. They're paid in clams, which can then be used to buy stuff. Whyville generates revenue by letting organizations set up shop and teach kids about topics like rocket science rocket science n. 1. Rocketry. 2. Informal An endeavor requiring great intelligence or technical ability. (NASA NASA: see National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA in full National Aeronautics and Space Administration Independent U.S. ), art (the J. Paul Getty Trust The J. Paul Getty Trust is the world's wealthiest art institution with an estimated endowment of $5.8 billion. Based in Los Angeles, it operates two museums: the J. Paul Getty Museum in Brentwood and the Getty Villa in Malibu, California. ) and cars (Toyota Motor Corp.). The site recently teamed with Torrance-based Celestron, the second-largest maker of telescopes worldwide, to offer Whyville kids access (for 25 clams) to its Skyscout celestial viewing device. The Whyville SkyScout is about the size of a camcorder and weighs less than 16 ounces. It uses GPS technology that allows stargazers to view the stars while listening to commentary on the stars and their history. "We are ecstatic to have the opportunity to partner with Celestron and offer kids a new and exciting 'edu-game' in which they can virtually access the stars from Whyville and learn about their origins," said Jay Goss n. 1. Gorse. , chief operating officer Chief Operating Officer (COO) The officer of a firm responsible for day-to-day management, usually the president or an executive vice-president. of Whyville. Science can be exciting, of course, but it's not all nerdy stuff for Whyville kids. The site last week produced a virtual concert with EMI/Virgin artist Stacey Orrico. |
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