Satellite Farming Indoors

Down the hall there’s a U-505 submarine. A coal mine is located upstairs. And just around the corner is the world’s largest pinball machine. The Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago is also home to the Farm Tech exhibit and Silver Oaks’ latest award-winning museum project - an educational kiosk programmed to showcase the John Deere StarFire^TM GPS system.

The interactive dual-station kiosk is entirely custom built, utilizing two 32” touch screens and a pair of genuine John Deere steering columns. The program features animations, simulations, and a real-time 3D environment in which users can drive a John Deere tractor using GPS. Well-versed in the development of 3D media, the animation and programming teams at Silver Oaks routinely use new technology to help explain complex topics and enhance the learning experience for a wide range of audiences.

The GPS project recently received the American Association of Museums’ (AAM) MUSE Award which recognizes excellence in Media and Technology. On April 27, representatives from Silver Oaks attended the AAM Annual Meeting & Museum Expo in Denver where we were presented with the prestigious award. Silver Oaks is a member of AAM and has participated in the AAM Expo for the past 8 years.