Help! The Earth has disappeared! Vanished is an eight week, online/offline mystery game that merges an online world with real museums and scientists, and asks kids why they think the planet is gone.

The mystery/science game was created for middle school science teachers by the MIT education arcade and the Smithsonian and is designed to get older children (ages 11-to 14-years) interested in science. In order to play, you must sign up in advance.

Features include: mini games that let you learn new science skills; forums where kids can interact with each other and MIT students; opportunities to videoconference with Smithsonian scientists and researchers; and offline excursion to collect clues at local museums. Learn more at http://vanished.mit.edu/.