MNN - Mother Nature Network

Bill Nye the Science Guy has teamed up with videogame publisher GameDesk to launch a Kickstarter campaign for a new bird-flight simulation that teaches the physics principles behind the power of flight.

 

Nye, the 57-year-old professor and television personality, spent months with the Game Desk team honing the science behind flight — focusing specifically on the aerodynamic properties of the albatross.

 

"Seeing a plane or bird in soar in the sky is amazing to behold," the Kickstarter site explains. "But the aerodynamics and physics behind the miracle of flight are difficult to grasp. There are several forces engaged when a bird or plane flies, and here on earth we're unable to see any of them. But never fear! Bill Nye and GameDesk have a revolutionary idea! With your help we can complete a game that teaches the physics behind flight by allowing players to literally become a bird and experience those scientific principles in their own hands." 

 

 

When completed, GameDesk says the game will feature 15 challenges revolving around flight with lessons teaching lift, drag, thrust, constant and terminal velocity, gravity, banking, turning and more. The current Kickstarter goal of $100,000 would allow the team to release the game in 2013 for the iPad — with other devices such as Android and even Xbox's Kinect should more funding come through. 

 

Check out a video of AERO in the outstretched arms of schoolchildren below. To donate to the Kickstarter, jump here.