[MUSIC]
So the augmented reality sandbox is a
teaching and learning tool for geology and
geography.
And it's a great way to teach about land
forms and topography and geologic process.
As the students manipulate the sand,
what's happening is the Xbox Kinect
radar is constantly scanning the sand.
So as the students manipulate it,
every time it picks up those changes it's
sending or relaying that
information into the computer.
The computer projects it in that false
color image related to topography.
With technology being so pervasive,
it's important to use technology in
the classroom as much as possible.
But technology specifically like
this is also really engaging.
[MUSIC]
It's really colorful,
it's really hands on.
And so even though the students are sort
of learning about topography and maps,
which can be really dry,
it's a really memorable experience.
[MUSIC]
>> For a lot of people when they
start studying Earth Sciences,
to look at land forms on a screen or
on a map, is great, but
it's just not quite the same and
it doesn't really do the trick.
Especially if you're not particularly
familiar with those land forms already,
in how you visualize them
in three dimensions and
how you might fit into
a landscape like that.
And when you see something in three
dimensions, especially something you
can sink your hands into, mold to your own
desires, it really opens up new avenues.
[MUSIC]
>> So far we've used this tool in
a few classes at the college, but
students are always asking,
what else can we do with this tool?
And so right now we're not actively
using the sandbox for research, but
with the creative imaginations of the
students, and as we have it around, we're
really hoping to explore the research
potential of this tool in the future.
[MUSIC]
