AR: How Big is a Planet? & ZooBurst
by Katie Yoder
How does it support learning?
Students can use this AR website to compare the sizes of the planets to each other. This website supports learning by...
- incorporating science - reinforce learning of the planets
- listening skills - students are given facts about each planet as they view the image
- spatial understanding - the planets are set to a scale and students can get a better understanding of sizes
If I could, I'd add...
- The actual figures for the size of each planet
- The mass of each planet (as a way to incorporate other subjects)
- Other ways that the students could manipulate (rotate or disect) and interact (add learned information/facts, zoom in and out) with the planets
What inhibits learning?
- Students who are visual learners would benefit from having some of the information about the planets in written form.
- Students would need to be given some time to "play" before using this website for any other kind of instruction otherwise they wouldn't focus.
AR: ZooBurst (available via the web and iTunes)
How does it support learning?
ZooBurst is a digital storytelling tool that allows users to create their own 3D pop up books. It also has a feature where you can use augmented reality to bring the books to life. This resource supports learning by...
- incorporating higher order thinking skills - students must create their story first then fill it with characters, scenery and props.
- writing skills - students have the opportunity to write dialog for characters
- grammar skills - students must have the dialog gramatically correct
- reading skills - practicing sequencing, plot, elements of a story, character development, etc.
My ZooBurst story: Lil' Bit's Adventure
I wonder what adventure I should go on?
Let's go for a ride!
Hooray! The dog park, my favorite place!
If I could, I'd add...
There are lots of things that you can do with the free version (upload and use clip art characters, move characters around, change backgrounds and add scenery, make speech bubbles, etc) but the options expand if you are willing to pay for the upgraded services.
- In the free version you are only allowed 10 books and one user.
- There are two different pay versions - one allows unlimited books but one user and the other allows unlimited books and multiple users.
- There is an option for schools to purchase licenses for use.
What inhibits learning?
Students would need to be given some time to "play" before using this website for any other kind of instruction otherwise they wouldn't focus.