Hi.
You're listening to cultivate curiosity, a
podcast.
That inspires the next generation to stay
curious.
Cultivate curiosity is brought to you by
the Emerald Coast Science Center, a
nonprofit.
Interactive science museum and steam
educational facility in Fort Walton Beach,
Florida.
This podcast is perfect for anyone curious
about the world we live in, because.
You never know what we'll talk about
next.
Hi, my name is Jacie, and I'm
the social media coordinator here at the
Emerald Coast Science center.
Today, we're going to dive into the
exciting world of augmented reality and
embodied learning.
We'll also discuss SMALLab, a
groundbreaking 3d mixed reality learning
environment.
So whether you're an educator looking to
innovate in your classroom or a curious
learner eager to experience the future of
education firsthand, this episode is for
you.
Let's start by understanding what
augmented reality, or AR, means in the
context of education.
AR overlays digital information onto the
physical world, enhancing our perception
of reality through technology in
classrooms, or transforms learning
experiences by making lessons more
interactive and engaging.
Imagine students exploring the solar
system or dissecting a virtual frog, all
within the confines of their classroom.
One excellent example of AR in education
is the merge cube, an innovative tool
that turns abstract concepts into tangible
experiences.
Imagine students holding this small cube
shaped device and seeing complex 3d models
come to life right before their eyes.
They can explore everything from
anatomical structures to geological
formations, fostering a deeper
understanding through immersive
exploration.
We've used this type of technology during
many programs, even had an exhibit of
the merge cube that you guys could
see.
And one of those programs is our
flower dissection program, where students
learn about the different parts of the
flower so they dissect a real flower,
but are also able to look at
a flower and its different parts through
the merge cube's AR.
Moreover, AR can be used to bring
historical events to life or simulate
scientific experiments.
Apps like Google Expeditions and AR
Flashcards offer experiences where
students can interact with virtual
dinosaurs or conduct virtual chemistry
experiments, bridging the gap between
theoretical knowledge and practical
application.
These experiences not only capture
students imaginations, but also help them
understand and retain complex concepts
through visual and interactive means.
Augmented reality isnt just a novelty, its
a powerful tool for educators to increase
student engagement and improve learning
outcomes.
By blending digital content with the
physical environment, AR enables students
to interact with complex subjects in a
more intuitive and immersive way.
Now lets dive deeper into embodied
learning, an academic approach that
integrates physical movement with
cognitive tasks.
Embodied learning proves that our
understanding of concepts is enhanced
through physical interaction with the
learning material this approach recognizes
that physical activity and movement can
facilitate facilitate deeper cognitive
processing and comprehension.
At the forefront of embodied learning is
small lab, also known as student
multimedia accelerated learning lab.
SMALLab is not just a classroom
tool, it's a transformative, 3d, mixed
reality learning environment installed in
classrooms, media centers, museums, and
educational spaces worldwide, small lab
takes traditional learning methods and
turns them on their head.
Students step away from passive learning
and into an immersive experience where
they interact with digital content through
movement.
Picture a student learning about geometry
by physically moving shapes in a virtual
space or exploring historical events by
manipulating virtual artifacts.
SMALLab offers a thousand interactive,
standards-aligned learning activities
across subjects like mathematics, science,
history, and more.
These activities are designed not only to
enhance academic understanding, but also
to foster critical thinking,
collaboration, and creativity.
Research conducted over five years at
Arizona State University underscores the
effectiveness of Smollab.
It shows significant increases in student
achievement, improvements in teacher
performance, and a shift towards more
student-led learning environments.
Teachers report that small lab transforms
their classrooms into dynamic hubs of
exploration and discovery where students
are not just learning facts, but actively
constructing knowledge through hands-on
engagement.
If you're eager to experience embodied
learning firsthand, we actually have
SMALLab here at the science center.
Imagine stepping into a room-sized iPad
where your entire family can play and
learn together.
From solving puzzles to exploring digital
landscapes.
Scipad utilizes motion capture cameras to
track your movements on a 15 by
15-foot grid, creating an interactive
learning environment like no other.
Right now, it is open to the
public from 01:00 to 03:00 p.m.
Tuesday through Thursday until August 29,
and it is perfect for all ages.
Whether you're matching animals in a game
of memory or debating Marvel versus DC
characters in our sort it outScience game, there's
something for everyone.
No reservations are needed, just drop by
and join in on the fun.
And you can also visit on our
Discover Science Saturdays, which are the
first Saturday of the month and it's
open during those days as well.
So definitely check out our website to
see when it'll be open so you
can come and join.
Lastly, let's go over some applications
and tips for educators or people who
just want to use AR and embodied
learning at home.
For educators interested in integrating
augmented reality into their classrooms,
start by exploring available AR apps and
platforms tailored for education.
These tools allow teachers to create
personalized learning experiences that
cater to diverse student needs.
Here are a few examples.
Google Expeditions: it provides virtual
field trips to historical sites,
underwater explorations, and space
missions.
Merge Cube: it allows students to interact
with 3d models of historical artifacts,
organs, and celestial bodies. And then AR
Flashcards:
It engages younger students with
interactive flashcards that bring animals,
letters, and numbers to life.
When it comes to embodied learning,
consider how physical movement can enhance
learning outcomes.
Here are some practical role playing using
role playing activities to simulate
historical events or scientific phenomena.
For example, students can act out a
historical event to better understand its
context and significance.
Interactive incorporate simulations where
students physically manipulate objects to
learn concepts.
For instance, students could use motion
sensing tools to explore geometric shapes
or conduct virtual chemistry experiments.
And, of course, educational games.
Implement games that require physical
activity, like scavenger hunts or obstacle
courses related to the subject matter.
This can help students engage with content
in a fun and dynamic way.
For home use.
Parents can also leverage AR and embody
learning tools to enhance their children's
education.
Apps like Seek by iNaturalist can turn
a walk in the park into a
learning adventure.
By identifying plants and animals through
AR at home, families can create diy
physical activities related to subjects
like math or science, such as using
homemade manipulatives to explore
geometric concepts.
So, from understanding ars transformative
role in classrooms to experiencehands-on the
hands on learning environment of SMALLab,
it's clear that these innovations hold
tremendous potential for shaping the
future of education.
As you reflect on today's episode,
consider how you can incorporate these
ideas into your own teaching practices or
educational initiatives.
Thank you guys for listening to this
week's episode.
Until next time, keep learning and stay
curious.
Thanks for listening to this week's
episode of cultivating Curiosity.
If you have any questions, feel free
to email us at socialmedia@ecscience.org
Tune in for our next episode in
two weeks.