Learning Geology with a Twist
Introduction to Augmented Reality Sandbox
It appears like an fast throwback to childhood—burying your hands within the sand, constructing mountains, rivers, and lakes. But while the sandbox in Middlebury’s geology lab offers the identical tactile joy as a day on the beach, students are learning about topography, landforms, and geologic processes with the assistance of Microsoft Xbox components. The augmented-reality sandbox allows students to create and alter topography in real time.
How it Works
As students move the sand around into different formations, the Xbox Kinect radar scans the highest surface of the sand, then feeds the info to a pc, which in turn projects a topographic map onto the sand. Through colours and features, the map shows elevations. For example, when you construct a “mountain” the height will appear red while the lower elevations show as cooler colours. Bulldoze the mountain and the colours immediately change to reflect the brand new elevations.
Engaging Students with Technology
“Technology like this may be very engaging,” said Assistant Professor of Geology Kristina Walowski. “It’s colourful, hands-on. So, at the same time as the scholars are learning about topography and maps, which might be really dry, it’s a memorable experience, and it’s really fun!” Walowski had seen augmented reality sandboxes at other universities and museums and wondered if it were something she could bring to Middlebury.
Bringing the Idea to Life
She asked one in every of her students, Sam Kaelin ’19.5, to research the components and assembly process. With a grant from Middlebury’s Fund for Innovation, Kaelin constructed the sandbox and added the technology. It took slightly fine-tuning to get all of the components working in harmony, said Kaelin, but the outcomes have been wonderful. “When you see something in three dimensions, especially something you’ll be able to sink your hands into, it really opens up recent avenues,” said Kaelin.
Practical Applications
Walowski says the sandbox has been a helpful tool for discussion sections and labs. Her fellow geologist, Professor Pat Manley, has used the sandbox to debate bathymetric maps of the ocean floor. The students have also used it as an outreach tool with local elementary schoolers who’re studying earth sciences. The sandbox has a feature that permits users to make it “rain” by holding a hand out flat at a particular height above the sand. Making it rain may help students understand how watersheds work, says Walowski, because the virtual water flows down the perimeters of the sand mountains through various streams and rivers on its solution to the lakes below.
Future Possibilities
Walowski says students are consistently asking the way it is perhaps used for researching landscapes and landscape evolution. “Right now we’re not actively using the sandbox for research, but with the creative imaginations of the scholars, we’re really hoping to explore the research potential of this tool in the longer term,” said Walowski. Middlebury’s augmented-reality sandbox will make its public debut on the 2018 Spring Symposium at McCardell Bicentennial Hall.
Conclusion
The augmented-reality sandbox is an modern tool that makes learning about geology fun and fascinating. By combining hands-on activity with cutting-edge technology, students can gain a deeper understanding of complex concepts like topography and landforms. As the sandbox continues to evolve and improve, it has the potential to change into a priceless resource for researchers and students alike, opening up recent avenues for exploration and discovery in the sector of geology.
