What is Augmented Reality? (AR)
Augmented Reality (AR) is a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user’s view of the real world, thus providing a composite view. It allows students and teachers to easily overlay content to augment their real-world experience and provide opportunities to learn though immersion. Students can view or create their own worlds which they can inhabit to provide powerful learning experiences not possible through other media.
What Augmented Reality does Discovery Education provide?
Three apps are available in 2022: Sandbox AR, Timepod Adventures and Techbook AR.
SANDBOX AR
What is Sandbox AR?
Sandbox AR is an Augmented Reality ‘maker’ app that allows students and teachers to create, share and even inhabit virtual environments. By placing a stage on a flat surface and adding models to create a sandbox, students can create a virtual world to experience and share with fellow students and teachers. Sandbox AR contains hundreds of models, covering history, the built world, science and nature.
For those new to Augmented Reality, Sandbox AR includes many pre-built sandboxes exploring diverse subjects such as Ancient Egypt, space exploration, Mayan civilization, road construction, and more, with additional sandboxes coming soon. Sandbox also includes a number of pre-built lessons educators can use with the app to familiarize themselves with integrating AR into classroom instruction.
Who is Sandbox AR available for?
Sandbox AR can be downloaded and used by anyone with a compatible device. They do not have to be a DE user.
How do I use Sandbox AR with DE platform/Espresso?
Sandbox AR is a great way to bring a topic to life. After using resources available in the DE platform/Espresso to research, they can build an immersive world to recreate and interact in immersive student learning experiences. The Sandbox lessons found in Studio and in the AR Channel are a great way to support teachers in working with Sandbox, providing a scaffold for them to build their confidence in what may be an unfamiliar medium. Many students will be more familiar with this type of technology and can jump straight in.
How many lessons are available?
3 are currently available in product via the AR Channel and out of product via public-facing Studio boards (Ancient Egypt, Maya, Jamestown)
What devices is Sandbox AR compatible with?
The app requires iPadOS 12.0 and up, and is compatible with the following specific devices:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch second generation
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch first generation
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air 4
- iPad Air 3
- iPad mini 5
- iPad 10.2-inch (2020)
- iPad 10.2-inch (2019)
- iPad 2019
- iPad 2018
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iPad 2017
TIMEPOD ADVENTURES
What is Timepod Adventures?
Timepod Adventures uses state-of-the-art, life-size augmented reality that students can interact with and control. With a remote AI companion ADA (Autonomous Digital Assistant) by their side, pupils can travel through time, visit incredible locations and solve problems as they go. A web-based companion app allows for classmates to connect and collaborate remotely from anywhere. The first two adventures in this series were developed in partnership with Verizon Foundation, with the first adventure available now and the second coming in April 2022.
Who are Timepod Adventures available for?
Timepod Adventures is freely available on the App Store for anyone.
How do I use Timepod Adventures with DE platform/Espresso?
At this time, Timepod Adventures is a standalone app that showcases some of the other AR capabilities DE can provide. More platform integration will come in time.
What devices are Timepod Adventures compatible with?
Timepod Adventures is compatible with iPhone6S and above
OR
iPadOS 12.0 and up, and is compatible with the following specific devices:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch second generation
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch first generation
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air 4
- iPad Air 3
- iPad mini 5
- iPad 10.2-inch (2020)
- iPad 10.2-inch (2019)
- iPad 2019
- iPad 2018
-
iPad 2017
What Adventures are available?
- Episode one: You find yourself on Mars in 2079, with the first human settlement facing grave danger! Can you assist Eagle Base to solve the problem and help the settlement conserve water until new equipment arrives from Earth? ADA is on hand to help you along with some Timepod hardware!
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Episode two: Episode two picks up at the stunning news from Intrepid Base mining team that they have discovered an aquifer below the Martian surface. News that could avert a crisis for the 200 inhabitants of humankinds first extra terrestrial colony. Coming Apr 2022.
TECHBOOK AR
What is Techbook AR?
Techbook AR is a companion app to Discovery Education’s Middle School Science Techbook. Using augmented reality, the app brings geography to life in the classroom. Pupils point the camera at specially marked images within Science Techbook to see tectonic plates at work, reveal the workings of the water cycle and watch an erupting volcano.
Who is Techbook AR available for?
Middle School Science TB users in the United States
What devices is Techbook AR compatible with?
The app requires iPadOS 12.0 and up, and is compatible with the following specific devices:
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2020
- iPad Pro 11-inch 2018
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch 3rd generation
- iPad Pro 10.5-inch
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch second generation
- iPad Pro 12.9-inch first generation
- iPad Pro 9.7-inch
- iPad Air 4
- iPad Air 3
- iPad mini 5
- iPad 10.2-inch (2020)
- iPad 10.2-inch (2019)
- iPad 2019
- iPad 2018
-
iPad 2017
How do I use Techbook AR with DE platform/Espresso?
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The trigger images that correspond with the Techbook AR app are found in the print student edition for Middle School Science. These are also found in the equivalent digital program at the top of each activity page.
What activities are currently available with Techbook AR?
There are 5 activities currently.