March 2019 | STEAM Spotlight: Middle School Augmented Reality Sandbox Project

The Shaker Heights Middle School Robotics students have embarked on another design thinking activity while preparing for the robotics state-level competition. The augmented reality (AR) project combines 3D visualization applications with a hands-on sandbox exhibit to teach earth science concepts. The AR sandbox allows students to create topography models by shaping real sand, which is then augmented in real time by an elevation color map, topographic contour lines, and simulated water. The system teaches geographic, geologic, and hydrologic concepts such as how to read a topography map, the meaning of contour lines, watersheds, catchment areas, levees, etc.

The students will use their problem solving skills to build a computer, program the operating system of the computer and create a sandbox from scratch using the design cycle. The design team consists of the Middle School robotics members, the District technology team and Middle School design chair Dexter Lindsey.