This really fun activity is focused on introducing young students to AR – or augmented reality. Simply, AR is an interactive experience where technology is used to bring digital content into the real world. Augmented Reality transports students to the earth’s far reaches providing real world relevance to any subject. AR allows students to ride along with the Mars’ Rover, swim under the ocean with a blue whale, travel back in time to learn about dinosaurs or watch as blood passes through a valve before leaving each chamber of the heart. The possibilities are endless!
My first and second grade lab students had a blast learning AR using the free Animal Safari AR – 3D Learning app. The first time using the app with ipads, we experimented and learned how to use all of the features and functions. It sounds dry – but the kids still had loads of fun. Once the students were comfortable with placing a “target” floor grid, choosing and uploading an animal and resizing said animal they were given a simple research activity sheet to complete.
Students are able to walk around their life-size animal in 3D. They could listen to the unique sounds their animal made, select food to feed them, and read information cards about the animal’s diet, habitat, and location. This is a favorite app during free choice time. I have to smile when at the end of the day I hear a lion’s roar coming from the charge station – someone forgot to close the app! 🙂
Note: While the app is free, some of the animal choices are not and there are in-app ads. However, this did not deter my students from having fun using the app.
