“Science in the city AR: using mobile augmented reality for science inquiry activities” by Rothfarb
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- Science in the city AR: using mobile augmented reality for science inquiry activities
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Abstract:
The Exploratorium, a museum of science, art, and human perception in San Francisco, California, is developing science activities for informal learners to use with augmented reality (AR) browsers on mobile devices. We’re experimenting with this technique to learn about engaging museum visitors, as well as other informal learners in our community, in personal inquiry. Using the Layar AR platform, we’ve developed a set of interactive science activity tools that smartphone users can use to explore phenomena via augmented exhibits at the museum and at locations in the San Francisco Bay Area. The tools, which are freely available, are part of our Science in the City video series and provide location-contextualized activities for different programs. This series introduces online visitors to stories about locations, people, and themes relating to natural phenomena and the built environment. The mobile AR science activity tools became available in the spring of 2011 in a Science in the City “layer” within the Layar mobile browser and via a link at the Exploratorium’s website, www.exploratorium.edu/scienceinthecity.
