OnlineKidz.com

The virtual science game lets multiple players create avatars that race electric-powered buggies across the desert in search of heliostats and junkyard parts to engineer and rebuild wind turbines and solar panels. Players also are challenged to harness water power and make decisions about energy consumption on a planet that faces ecological ruin. They meet in an orientation center to chat with each other, as well as with nonplaying engineers who provide their experience and act as guides.

Accompanying lessons provide fodder for discussion of energy and other topics. An interactive module allows young people to learn about 3-D technologies and how to build virtual worlds.