SBIR & AR Field Testing
3DMD Receives $1.7 Million to Extend Models with Augmented Reality
We are excited to announce that we have received a $1.7 million Small Business Innovative Research Award (SBIR) grant from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) at the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
In this Phase II project, Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media, we will develop 24 modules that engage students in pairing physical models with augmented reality (AR).
As students progress through the AR activities, they will continue to manipulate the models, actively engaging in making sense of molecular processes through collaboration with classmates. Our successful Phase I AR project ($224,869 award) demonstrated the feasibility of using existing models and kits as AR targets. It also demonstrated the AR modules can be deployed with any smart mobile device (phone or tablet), instead of expensive headsets, making the technology affordable for a wide range of schools and budgets.
Research is supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R44GM142331. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.
3DMD Model Teachers Shape Augmented Reality Resources
At the end of June, 15 high school and college educators came together in Milwaukee to share their excitement and expertise about augmented reality (AR) and 3D models. These 3DMD Model Teachers made connections to curriculum and standards, tested the technology's usability, and drafted plans for engaging students with both physical models and digital experiences. This collaborative approach between educators, researchers, design specialists, and digital specialists will result in a unique tool for students.