History in the Making

By Don Rittner

One of the perks of studying history is to know when history is being made. Several years ago, local multimedia artists Penny Kurtz and Guy Spataford decided to create a special software program that would not only by fun to use but also be educational as well. Switch Zoo, a surrealistic virtual zoo where visitors switch an animal's heads, legs, and tails to make new creatures was launched four years ago as a web site. It became an instant hit with thousands of schools primarily in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and Australia. I was privy to watching the program get born and in the fairness of disclosure will tell you I played a wee tiny part in helping with some of the bio facts.

Switch Zoo basically allows you to play with evolution and create your own “What if” animals. Besides learning the biology of the original animals, as well as many facts about their habitats, it gives the “creator” the opportunity to generate spectacular looking color graphics.

Since you can name your new animal, you’re free to write up you own creation and make up its biology and habitat facts as well. Each evolution that you create seamlessly blends into the animal by selecting various parts of other animals, and along with sound effects, generates your new creation. If you’re in a watch mode only, hit the randomizer button and let the software create one for you.

When you’re done making your new animal, just print it out, or save it with your other creations in your “My Switch Zoo” area. You can also send your animal electronically to the Switch Zoo online gift store and for a nominal price ($5.50 to $18.50) have it placed on a jigsaw puzzle, mug, T-shirt, tote bag, photo magnet, or mouse pad and give it to your friend.

Switch Zoo is designed around the premise that nine primary animals that serve as hosts are available in every scene, while various quick switch animals appear suddenly when selected, and elusive hiding animals appear only while a primary animal is changing (keep your eyes open). There are now 142 animals to choose from so don’t expect to get bored. In fact, Switch Zoo really can be thought of as an interactive biology encyclopedia that just happens to be fun to use.

Last week, Penny and Guy’s company, called Tubehead, began offering a free download of their newest stand alone version of Switch Zoo Deluxe to the first 10,000 eligible schools, libraries and hospitals who request it (go to switchzoo.com).

The new Switch Zoo Deluxe has larger images, 142 diverse species, interesting facts about every animal, built in reference material, and enhanced printing. Visitors can save their favorite new animals in their own collection, along with a title and story. You can also make a postcard featuring any animal, and email it to your buddy.

Over four million people have visited the free online zoo, including students from schools worldwide since the Web site went active four years ago. Teachers were early adopters of the Web site since students can write and save stories along with their animals, and many lesson plans written by teachers, as well as links to teachers’ lesson plans on other sites, are part of the zoo site.

For parents worried about graphic material unsuited for children, have no fear. The Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) rates Switch Zoo Deluxe “edutainment,” and “E” (for everyone). By the way, if you think Switch Zoo is only for kids, try not to play it in front of your own kids. You might find yourself fighting over taking turns.

Switch Zoo has received rave reviews around the world since its inception. The National Science Teachers Association includes the site in their SciLinks program. Since 2002, the United Kingdom's E-grid for Learning has promoted it to their teachers. The Government of Western Australia Department of Education, Australia's Schoolsnet, and the Department of Education of Tasmania all recommend the site to their educators. There is a long list of other reviews and promotions on their Web site.

A bonus on their web site is a listing of poems, stories, and drawings done by students, as well as links to other zoology related Web sites.

The program is available by download from switchzoo.com for a mere $19.95 ($29.95 for the CD). The program works on both PC and Macintosh platforms.

So while you’re downloading your own copy, I’m going back to tend to my own “elephazebrabear.” It’s feeding time at the zoo!