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Look! There it is!

 

Guess again!  It’s not really there!  That is the magic of virtual reality and augmented reality.  For our tech minute today, I would like to introduce you to Happy Atoms, a product by Schnell Games.  (click for link to website)

   It is an augmented reality experience, which means that “it is an interactive experience of a real-world environment where the objects that reside in the real world are enhanced by computer-generated perceptual information” (2020, Augmented Reality). These augmented reality programs are a boon to content teachers.  They can make the un-seeable not only visible but interactive.  As librarians, our ability to enhance content and curriculum makes us invaluable to our teachers.  As Young says, “Being a connected educator is the only way to survive as a librarian” (2020).  The Happy Atoms program is perfect for science teachers in both middle school and high school and the librarian that brings this to the table will be a WINNER!  The website even promotes the program for college-level students. 

            While the app is free, there is a cost associated with the product. Users need to buy a box of ... atom parts!  The sets hold the elements used to build models of molecules, creating simulated chemical bonds.


There are three sizes available, including a large set for classroom use.    All are available from (you guessed it!) Amazon.  (click to link)

    Students need first to physically build models of different molecules.  The magnets, the colorful atoms, and the connective rods make these components ideal for fidget-prone students.  

  

 Once they have experimented in building a possible model, the student can use a phone, an iPad, or other tablet to scan the molecule.  This is where the “augmentation” comes in!  

    Once the molecule is scanned, the app reveals information about the molecule itself as well as where it is found on the planet. 

            As students use the models and the app, there seems to be an abundance of ahh-ha moments, as seen in this video.  

    Reviewers, as well, find much to love about the Happy Atoms augmented reality program.


All in all... it seems like a winner addition to your arsenal of ideas to share!  

Resources:

Augmented Reality. (2020, November 14). Wikipedia.  Retrieved November 17, 2020 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Augmented_reality

Young, L. J. (2020). Getting the most from AR/VR Technology without breaking the budget. School Library Journal, 66(4), 32-34. https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=get-the-most-from-ar-vr-technology-without-breaking-budget-library

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Comments

  1. Stacey TemplinNovember 19, 2020 at 6:07 PM

    These atoms look like so much fun! I can see them being used in a makerspace or science class. Students love hands on activities, and these atoms have the best of both worlds. Students get to build their atom and then see it in the real world. I know this would be a hit in middle school science classes. Thanks for sharing!
    Stacey Templin

    ReplyDelete
  2. Off the Beaten ShelfNovember 20, 2020 at 10:57 PM

    If this was invented when I was in high school, I might have had a better understanding of atoms. This is a great app! The curriculum is a tad out of my comfort zone! I love the quote you chose by Young. I completely agree that we need to stay connected to professional journals and colleagues to stay up to date on new techniques to enhance learning. Thank you for sharing. You never disappoint.

    Robin Dawson

    ReplyDelete
  3. Cheryl Fidler WilliamsNovember 21, 2020 at 2:43 PM

    That is so neat Anna - thanks for sharing. I'm so happy to see all these amazing VR/AR tools being created for science education. This is one I hadn't looked into for the module so I really appreciate you sharing it! My chemistry-major self is thrilled (and dang I wish they had stuff like this when I was coming up!).

    ReplyDelete
  4. UnknownNovember 22, 2020 at 4:52 PM

    Anna,
    I feel like this could have really helped me to learn more about atoms in middle school. It was fun to use Styrofoam to make a model of a cell (I think that's what I made, at least), but with this, you are actually creating and seeing exactly what was done correctly or how making small changes to the model changes it completely. What a cool tool! I hope that my daughter gets to experience something like this when she is learning about atoms. (Or perhaps there will be even further advancements with VR by then.)
    - Melissa Bryan

    ReplyDelete

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