| NSF Org: |
IIS Division of Information & Intelligent Systems |
| Recipient: |
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| Initial Amendment Date: | July 29, 2019 |
| Latest Amendment Date: | July 29, 2019 |
| Award Number: | 1917912 |
| Award Instrument: | Standard Grant |
| Program Manager: |
Robert Russell
IIS Division of Information & Intelligent Systems CSE Directorate for Computer and Information Science and Engineering |
| Start Date: | August 1, 2019 |
| End Date: | July 31, 2023 (Estimated) |
| Total Intended Award Amount: | $750,000.00 |
| Total Awarded Amount to Date: | $750,000.00 |
| Funds Obligated to Date: |
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| History of Investigator: |
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| Recipient Sponsored Research Office: |
660 S MILL AVENUE STE 204 TEMPE AZ US 85281-3670 (480)965-5479 |
| Sponsor Congressional District: |
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| Primary Place of Performance: |
P.O. Box 876011 Tempe AZ US 85287-6011 |
| Primary Place of
Performance Congressional District: |
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| Unique Entity Identifier (UEI): |
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| Parent UEI: |
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| NSF Program(s): | ECR-EDU Core Research |
| Primary Program Source: |
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| Program Reference Code(s): |
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| Program Element Code(s): |
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| Award Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Fund Agency Code: | 4900 |
| Assistance Listing Number(s): | 47.070 |
ABSTRACT
In order to enhance the realism of educational virtual laboratories, this project will research and develop educational virtual laboratories in virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) through software-controlled haptic vessels for realistic perceptions of fluid handling. In chemistry education, fluids play a critical role, especially in where they can represent different volumes, render physical properties (e.g., viscosity), and mix to create combinatorial reactions. To provide education regarding the handling of fluids), most chemistry curricula use laboratory exercises which guide students through hands-on manipulation experiments. The proposed vessel systems will be 3D-printed enclosures that are spatially tracked and internally motorized to give the look and feel of vessels (e.g., beakers), cylinders, flasks, and test tubes, that contain free-moving fluids in VR and AR. Augmented fluidity vessels will enable experimentation possibilities in virtual laboratories for distance education. The project will develop preliminary mechanisms, software frameworks, and AR/VR educational laboratory simulations for formative evaluation of the potential of augmented fluidity in at-home, after-school, and online education. Software tools and vessel designs will be open sourced and distributed. Outside developers will be able to create their own simulations, experiments, and fluid vessel devices relevant to their needs and workplaces. Through the use of game engine plugins and 3D printable materials, the project will provide access to software developers at all levels, including Grade 6-12 students, university students, and professional software developers.
Project research will address issues of realism, haptics, usability, and efficacy of the VR/AR system. The project will develop preliminary mechanisms, software frameworks, and AR/VR educational laboratory simulations for formative evaluation of the potential of augmented fluidity in at-home, after-school, and online education. The preliminary versions of the system will be tested through focus groups and other qualitative methods.When preliminary development and formative testing is complete, the project will conduct a summative assessment with mixed methodologies including an experimental design which will look at aptitude by treatment interactions.
This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.
PUBLICATIONS PRODUCED AS A RESULT OF THIS RESEARCH
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PROJECT OUTCOMES REPORT
Disclaimer
This Project Outcomes Report for the General Public is displayed verbatim as submitted by the Principal Investigator (PI) for this award. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this Report are those of the PI and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation; NSF has not approved or endorsed its content.
The "Augmented Fluidity" project aimed to revolutionize online chemistry education by integrating tactile apparatuses into virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) teaching methods. This innovation sought to improve student learning outcomes through the development of novel haptic interfaces, mimicking real-world laboratory experiences in a virtual setting.
Our major achievements included the following:
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Development of Haptic Interfaces - We created motorized 3D-printed vessels that simulate the experience of handling fluids, allowing students to feel the shifting center of mass and identify fluid properties like viscosity and density. This development provides new forms of immersive and interactive online educational laboratory environments.
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Integration in Chemistry Education - By incorporating these haptic interfaces into chemistry experiments, we provided an engaging and effective learning experience. This approach was tested through user studies, assessing its integration and impact on learning through tactile interfaces.
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Titration Study - A significant study we conducted involved a titration experiment using a 3D-printed tangible that accurately simulates expensive laboratory glassware. The study compared traditional keyboard interaction with our high-embodied, haptic experimental condition. The results highlighted the importance of passive haptics and embodied gestures in enhancing learning and retention, particularly for students with higher science identity scores and prior knowledge.
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Dissemination and Impact - Our findings have been presented at various conferences and published in academic journals. The project’s outcomes have contributed to the understanding of effective remote science education, benefiting disciplines like chemistry, physics, and biology. Furthermore, the technology has potential applications in workforce training for fluid-handling practices.
Last Modified: 11/29/2023
Modified by: Robert Likamwa
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