Space 3D: A Pilot Study for Low-Cost Virtual Reality Space Exploration Learning
Lead Research Organisation:
Birkbeck, University of London
Department Name: Earth and Planetary Sciences
Abstract
We aim to showcase recent planetary data in a new, and extremely low-cost, virtual reality system, by developing an app for Google Cardboard. Once the app has been developed, we aim to get people interested in planetary science through immersive public talks/activities that can travel to different festivals across the UK, including some non-science festivals, so that we can reach the broadest number of people. We will also engage school teachers with the technology and run a focus group to best practice use of the app in their classroom. We aim to reach over 1000 people through science festivals and targeted immersive talks. Our long-term aim beyond this project is to ensure that our app will be one of the most exciting methods of engaging with the ExoMars rover mission when it touches down in 2019. We will use this pilot study to develop the technology and do some formative evaluation so we can refine the events and activities for our different target audiences.
Planned Impact
The primary resource of this project, the VR app, will be distributed free of charge through the Apple App Store and the Google Play for Android. An accompanying website will explain the project, provide links to talk, introduce the team, and provide a form for feedback. The successful aspects of the project will be shared with educators and communicators by Advisor Modinou through the UK Science Festivals Network, and also through the project website. PI Grindrod will inform other scientists of the project and results through word of mouth, both internal and external talks, and also through the project website. Finally, we also hope that the successful aspects of the project will be shared even more widely by the recipients of the targeted gifts.
People |
ORCID iD |
Peter Grindrod (Principal Investigator) |
Description | Collaboration with British Science Association |
Organisation | British Science Association |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Charity/Non Profit |
PI Contribution | Science lead on Mars virtual reality public talk trial |
Collaborator Contribution | Public engagement lead on Mars virtual reality public talk trial |
Impact | Expected summer 2017 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Description | Collaboration with software developer |
Organisation | Sparkd Creative Ltd |
Country | United Kingdom |
Sector | Private |
PI Contribution | Science lead on Mars virtual reality public talk trial |
Collaborator Contribution | Software development lead on Mars virtual reality public talk trial |
Impact | Expected summer 2017 |
Start Year | 2016 |
Title | OnMars app |
Description | Get up close and personal with the red planet, using just your phone. Download the free app, grab a viewing device and take a whistle-stop tour of Mars. Immerse yourself in a rover eye view of the search for life. |
Type Of Technology | Webtool/Application |
Year Produced | 2017 |
Open Source License? | Yes |
Impact | Downloaded by general public for live workshops. As of February 2018, there were 3025 installations of the app (148 Android, 2877 iOS). |
URL | https://sparkd.github.io/OnMars/ |
Description | Cheltenham Science Festival Panel |
Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Invited panel member for event "Proxima b: The Earth Next Door?", hosted b y Dara O'Briain. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Space 3D - Bluedot, August 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | International |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Workshop using Google Cardboard and OnMars app, for audience to explore the surface of Mars in virtual reality with their own smartphones. ~ 150 people in 4 workshops for this event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Space 3D - British Science Festival |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Schools |
Results and Impact | Discussion event with teachers, education policy makers etc. using Google Cardboard and OnMars app, for audience to explore the surface of Mars in virtual reality with their own smartphones. ~ 100 people in 1 workshop for this event. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Space 3D - Cheltenham, June 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | National |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | Workshop using Google Cardboard and OnMars app, for audience to explore the surface of Mars in virtual reality with their own smartphones. ~ 20 people in 1 workshop for this event. After the event, the delivery was improved significantly for future events. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |
Description | Space 3D - Saturday School, May 2017 |
Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
Geographic Reach | Regional |
Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
Results and Impact | WorkshopWorkshop using Google Cardboard and OnMars app, for audience to explore the surface of Mars in virtual reality with their own smartphones. ~ 30 people in 1 workshop for this event. After the event, the delivery was improved significantly for future events. |
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2017 |