Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media

Project Summary Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media Science and STEM education requires more effective tools that will engage student attention, challenge them to think critically, and help them learn critical science literacy concepts to create a stronger workforce and citizenry. The primary objective of the project Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media, is to transport students further into the molecular world by developing augmented reality (AR) modules that seamlessly extend the value of 3D Molecular Designs’ (3DMD) models. With 3DMD AR, students will engage with 3DMD’s models in a new way, intuitively navigating at their own pace and constructing their own knowledge while being guided by seamlessly integrated interactive digital media. Immersed in the intrinsic dynamics of molecular structures, they will manipulate the physical model – moving, rotating, adjusting – while digital features move in concert revealing new layers of complexity. 3DMD AR will allow educators to engage more students at middle school, high school, and undergraduate levels by piquing their interest with cutting edge technology and game-based learning applications. The addition of AR features to these instructional materials will not only expand the range of molecular concepts that can be taught with each modeling kit, but will also engage a broader range of today’s students from both economically disadvantaged schools and remote learning environments. 3DMD AR has broad STEM commercial and educational potential. The augmented reality modules described in this proposal can be deployed with any smart mobile device (phone or tablet), making 3DMD AR accessible to a wide range of schools and budgets. Phase I of the project will focus on the feasibility of using augmented reality with our current physical models. The Specific Aims of the project are:1. Test the feasibility of augmented reality software to identify and track the movement with 3DMD’s five types ofphysical models: 2D-printed graphics, die-stamped foam, plastic injection-molded molecules, 3D-printed proteins,and a flexible foam-covered modeling wire (mini toober).2. Focusing one type of physical model – injection-molded water molecules – 3DMD will test the feasibility ofaugmented reality software to: overlay a variety of types of digital media, allow user actions to trigger responsesfrom the AR software, and determine optimal techniques to interact with physical models and digital devices. By following an internal process of iterative design, the research team will test augmented reality targeting techniques to identify and track physical models. After targeting is achieved, the team will continue this process to develop digital overlays, trigger responses, and ergonomics. The Education Advisory Group will inform the research team of the most useful content to augment the physical models and critique the initial usability of the applications.Project Narrative Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media The research described in this Phase I proposal will explore the use of augmented reality (AR) media to enhance the learning power of physical models of molecular structures. Combining physical modeling with AR, 3D Molecular Designs plans to meet students in their own digital world utilizing students’ devices, engaging and challenging them with STEM bioscience content to construct their understanding of molecular processes that impact our lives, resulting in a populace with improved science literacy and a better trained workforce.