Visualizing the Invisible is Science Centers and Museums

Dr. Dimitrios Rogalas

Lab of Microwaves and fibre opticsNational Technical University of Athens

Museums of the past sought artifacts, museums of the future will show facts.Otto Neurath, Museums of the Future, Survey Graphic, 1933

Scientix Brussels, 6-8 May 2011

Partnership

Institute of Communication and Computer SystemsNational Technical University of Athens

Universität Bayreuth

Collaborative Virtual and Augmented Environments Fraunhofer Institute of Technology

Research& Development Department Ellinogermaniki Agogi

Intrasoft International

EugenidesFoundation

EKFE Chios

ECSITE

HEUREKA

The EXPLOAR project

Designing the classroom of

tomorrow

using Augmented Reality Technology (AR) to connect formal and informal learning environments

Inspiring Science Learning in

Science Museums and Centres

by

Aims & Objectives

Engage visitors of science museums & science centers in extended episodes of playful learning

Facilitate lifelong learning by providing a free-choice learning environment

Provide pointers for future developments for curators & developers of digital technologies for museum learning

Create virtual learning communities of museum visitors

Raise the wider public’s interest and awareness in science

The EXPLOAR system is designed to provide 3D graphics

superimposed on the user’s field of vision together with

other multimedia information, thus allowing to “extending”

the real exhibits with virtual objects.

The EXPLOAR system

This is particularly powerful for visualizing complex concepts in physics

that are fundamental yet imperceptible (such as electric or magnetic

fields, forces, etc).

The EXPLOAR system

Virtual Science Thematic Park (VSTP)

Mobile Augmented Reality (AR) System Possibility to: a) layer real objects with virtual ones b) place information into real surroundings

The CONNECT Platform (CP)Web-based application that enables the: a) distribution of information and organization of educational activities (pre- & post visit activities) b) coordination of educators, visitors and museum staff in the use of innovative technology

CONNECT EXPERIENCE

Visual Designer (VD) (authoring tool for AR Unit)

The VD allows the educator to specify (through a collection of rules) the visual augmentations the visitor can see with the AR unit.

The visitor’s actions indicate to the system when to react.

The reactions are presentations of multimedia content (images, sound, text, video or 3-D objects)

Additional conditions (statements) might be built such that the AR unit presents the info when the condition is true

VD Interface

The EXPLOAR system

Scenarios of use

Hot Air Balloon

Laws of Friction

Scenarios of use

Why do planes fly?

MobileShowcase

exhibit

Electro-magnetic Spectrum

The E/M spectrum

In Science Museums…

EXPLOAR’s vision

AR system view exampleTheory – Technology – Pathways – AR adjustment - Exhibits

EXLOAR website

www.ea.gr/ep/exploar

The project's vision

We should point to a

hybrid classroom that

builds on the strengths of

formal and informal

teaching and learning

strategies in ways that can

support learning of all

students.

Steps Forward

Science Centre to Go!Exhibit Models for

Schools