This Is A New Project

Neil deGrasse Tyson, an astronomer, has enlisted some major names in science and literature among them Bill Nye, an educator and scientist, as well as Neil Gaiman, an author. FilmMagic/Fox/UlfAndersen/Steve J. Brown/Getty Images

Over on Kickstarter, astrophysicist and science communication expert Neil deGrasse Tyson has a crowdfunding campaign running with the intention of funding a unique type of computer game. Minecraft java The name is "Space Odyssey", and the team behind it is hoping to create games that are both educational and fun about physics, biology, and space.

While they construct their own machines, players learn about the design of vehicle and robots. In an open-world "sandbox" design players will discover alien worlds, some that might even have life on them. A player could take a ride on a ship through an asteroid belt or designing the next-generation robot capable of mining a comet to extract valuable resources. The team is planning to integrate virtual reality experiences as well, putting players in the heart of the action. Joining Neil deGrasse Tyson are such famous scientists and experts in science and communication as rocket scientist Loretta Falcone Cosmologist Janna Levin astrophysicist Charles Liu, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco, astronomer Amy Mainzer and former astronaut Mike Massimino and science communicator Bill Nye. He invited authors such as Neil Gaiman and Larry Niven, Peter Beagle, George R. R. Martin to aid in the creation of a creative world. A variety of other writers, artists, game designers, scientists and other notable individuals in the creative and scientific fields are contributing to the effort.

While this is a brand-new project, it's not the first example of an educational computer game. From the old classics like "Oregon Trail" to modified versions of the popular game "Minecraft," game designers and educators have long recognized the value of teaching through games. Tyson's game, which's full name is "Neil deGrasse Tyson Presents Space Odyssey The Video Game" The Video Game", appears to be ambitious. Minecraft java

The Kickstarter campaign, with its goal of raising $314,159 (a seemingly insignificant amount until you consider the pi digits), ends on July 29th, Saturday. The project's administrators acknowledge that the funds will only be a part of the Whatnot Entertainment's efforts to create "Space Odyssey" possible. If all goes well, you might soon be able to explore the world from the comfort of your couch.

Now That's Interesting conversation with the HowStuffWorks podcast Stuff You Need to Be Educated About, Neil deGrasse Tyson said that he would like to expand global education in order to increase the chance of human civilization producing "another Einstein.