Scimorph

Scimorph is a Prototype Augmented Reality (AR) Character to promote engagement with science. Its target audience are Year Six students although useable across a much wider range. The resource can be used as a lesson introduction and to provoke discussion and exploration of scientific principles. It may also be accessed at home.

Scimorph is a very simple, central character who can journey through a series of activities in a virtual science environment based around the curriculum for primary-aged children.

Scimorph provides opportunities to discuss and solve science-based problems, take part in discussions around the activities and delve deeper into the topic by means of interactive tools and use of web-based materials. The main purpose of each activity is to stimulate discussions between children, teachers and parents/carers about the science underlying the Scimorph situation.

A desktop version of Augmented Reality (AR) is used to deliver a different form of interaction with the computer via 3-D animations, activated in a variety of Scimorph “zones” or environments, all designed to assist lesson introduction, increase engagement and prompt discussion.

Current zones are:

* Gravity

* Bugs

* Sound

* Materials 1 – irreversible changes

* Materials 2 – reversible hanges