Background
The Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox is a hands-on educational tool that uses 3-D visualization applications to teach earth science topics. The sandbox works by users shaping the sand into different landscapes and having a sensor respond by projecting an elevation color map, topographic contour lines, and simulated rainfall and water bodies. The sandbox provides an interactive way for students to learn about topography, contour lines, elevation, water bodies, watersheds, drainage basins, catchment areas, dams, levees, precipitation, and more.
Program Availability
The Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District is offering demonstrations of the Augmented Reality Sandbox to local schools and organizations. This tool is best suited for indoor use during classroom visits, after-school events, summer camp programs, library gatherings, and more. Programs can be adapted for upper elementary, middle, and high school grade levels. Please contact the District office at 518-622-3620 to inquire about scheduling a program or for more information.
Acknowledgements
The Greene County Soil & Water Conservation District gives a special thanks to Chris Langworthy (Conservation District Program Technician) for his designing and building of our Augmented Reality Sandbox.
The Augmented Reality Sandbox was made possible by instructions and open source software available from UC Davis in California. For more information, please visit https://arsandbox.ucdavis.edu/.