SPECIFICS OF VISUALIZATION OF STUDY MATERIAL WITH AUGMENTED REALITY WHILE STUDYING NATURAL SCIENCES

Abstract

Augmented reality (AR) gives the ability to visualize an object (atoms and molecules, their interference, circuits of the devices, technological processes, etc.) as much as possible, meaning to convert a 2D image to 3D, as well as “make it alive”. The objective of the work is development of a mobile application designed for reproduction of study material in natural sciences using Augmented Reality. The main task is the selection and creation of 3D-study demonstration material and video data of practical works and laboratory experiments, according to the current programs in physics, chemistry, biology for secondary education establishments, which can be used by the teacher and pupils to prepare an effective performance. Two methods of augmented reality implementation were combined for maximal visualization of the study material. The first one is using 3D-images, which made the 2D-images of handbooks “alive”, converting them into 3D, with animation ability; the second one is reproduction of the developed video material on mobile devices by “connecting” them with individual markers for any practical or laboratory work. A mobile application for reproduction of video data in natural sciences provides the pupil with an ability to find out about the safety regulations before the work performance, chemicals and equipment, necessary for its performance and with the course of work in video. Pictures of laboratory work elements were chosen for the mobile app; they were created on “Vuforia” platform, realized in software as augmented reality objects with a multiplatform instrument for development of two- and three-dimensional applications, named “Unity 3D”. Implementation of augmented reality objects will increase the level of data memorization as a result of interactivity of its image in 3D, will give the opportunity the modern teacher to explain a big volume of theory fast and understandable, update the demonstration of study material, and for the pupils to memorize it effectively, will improve the critical thinking, boost motivation for study and will give the ability to gain some skills while performing the experiment.