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Investigation of an Augmented Reality Exhibit for Family Learning Conversations

By Sarah Olsen and Mac Cannady

This study investigates the impact of an augmented reality (AR) exhibit, Bugtopia, on family learning conversations at The Lawrence Hall of Science. Bugtopia was designed to allow visitors to interact with 3D models of animals, aiming to engage intergenerational (adult-child) groups. The study included observations and interviews with nine adult-child dyads. Findings suggest that AR enhances engagement and educational experiences, providing a dynamic learning environment that encourages collaboration, active participation, and addresses misconceptions. The study highlights the potential of AR in museums and science centers to support interactive and immersive learning, and suggests further exploration into gender differences in engagement and learning preferences.

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Publication: Investigation of an Augmented Reality Exhibit for Family Learning Conversations

Year: 2024

Pages: 17

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Topics:

  • Animals
  • Augmented Reality
  • Exhibits
  • Museums

Uncover Fascinating Facts about the World of Insects!

A close-up photo of a Red Palm Weevil, a type of beetle known for its elongated snout and red-brown exoskeleton. The weevil is shown resting on a tree trunk with its wings folded, and its segmented body and long antennae are visible.

Red Palm Weevil

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A macro shot of a Stick Insect, scientifically known as Carausius morosus, photographed up close. The insect has a brown, stick-like body with thin legs and antennae, and its camouflage adaptation to mimic a twig is visible in the image.

Walking Stick

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An adult male Widow Skimmer Dragonfly perched on a water grass stem. The dragonfly has a long, slender body with a dark brown and white pattern, and its large, clear wings are visible in the image.

California Dragonfly

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This macro image shows a detailed view of an Asbolus beetle, a type of darkling beetle. The beetle is about 1 inch in length and has a dark blue or black exoskeleton with rough, warty bumps on its elytra (hardened forewings).

Blue Death Feigning Beetle

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A Mission Blue Butterfly perched on a twig. The butterfly has iridescent blue wings with black borders and white spots. The background shows more greenery and foliage.

Mission Blue Butterfly

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A vibrant and colorful Rainbow Grasshopper, also known as Dactylotum, captured in a photo showcasing its bright hues of red, yellow, green, and blue. The grasshopper is shown perched on a rock with its long hind legs and antennae clearly visible.

Rainbow grasshopper

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A close-up image of a large Stag Beetle, with its distinctive long, curved mandibles visible. The beetle has a shiny black exoskeleton and large, round eyes.

Stag beetle

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The Emperor Scorpion, a species of scorpion native to rainforests, photographed up close. The scorpion has a shiny black exoskeleton and large pincers, and its curved tail with a venomous stinger.

Emperor Scorpion

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A Ceanothus Silkmoth, scientifically known as Hyalophora euryalus, photographed up close. TThe moth has a large wingspan with a pattern of brown and beige colors, and its distinctive eye spots on its wings. Its hairy body and antennae are also visible in the image.

Ceanothus Moth

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An orange butterfly with black markings perched on a cluster of orange cosmos flowers. The butterfly has its wings spread out, revealing intricate patterns of black veins and spots. The background shows other flowers and green foliage.

Monarch Butterfly

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A Goliath Birdeater, scientifically known as Theraphosa blondi, belonging to the tarantula family Theraphosidae. The large spider has a dark brown body with light-colored markings, and its long, hairy legs and two sharp fangs are visible in the image.

Goliath Birdeater

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Close-up photos of an Asian Rhinoceros Beetle, showcasing its intricate and beautiful exoskeleton pattern and texture. The beetle has a curved horn-like protrusion on its head and its large compound eyes are also visible.

Red Rhinoceros Beetle

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A close-up photo of two big Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches, scientifically known as Gromphadorhina portentosa. The cockroaches have dark brown exoskeletons with ridges and bumps, and their long antennae and distinctive horns on their thorax are visible in the image.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

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A Mexican Red Knee Tarantula, scientifically known as Brachypelma smithi, running on yellow sand. The tarantula has a dark brown body with reddish-orange joints on its legs and its long black hairy legs are visible as it moves.

Red Kneed Tarantula

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Close-up of a female Chinese Preying Mantis, also known as California Preying Mantis, sitting on a twig with its forelegs folded in front of its body.

California Mantis

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all bugs

Family Talk Tips

Adult stating, "I notice it looks bumpy!" and child answering, "It reminds me of a basketball!"
Adult asking child, "What do you notice?" and child answering, "The wings have polka dots!"

Get your child talking to accelerate their science learning!

Encourage observation and connection:

  • What do you notice about how the animal looks/moves/behaves?
  • What body parts can you identify and what do they do?
  • Does it remind you of anything else you’ve seen in other animals, plants, or objects? Why?

Encourage questions and predictions:

  • Based on what you’ve observed, what do you predict that it eats? What evidence have you gathered to support your prediction?
  • What do you call an animal that eats only _____?
    • Herbivores have mouthparts that chew (as in leaves) and suck (as in nectar)
    • Carnivores eat other animals, and in general, are active and powerful. Some carnivores are arachnids and use their fangs to liquefy and drink up their prey. 
    • Detritivores feed on dead or decaying animal and plant material (as in carrion, dung, or leaf litter)
    • Insects can switch feeding types at different life stages. Some don’t even eat as adults! 
Rainbow Grasshopper Specimen
Rainbow Grasshopper Specimen
Multi Specimen
Multi Specimen 2
Multi Specimen 2
Multi Specimen
Mission Blue Butterfly Specimen
Mission Blue Butterfly Specimen
Microscope Photo Setup
Microscope Photo Setup
Essig Museum
Essig Museum
Essig Director Peter
Essig Director Peter
Ceanothus Moth Specimen
Ceanothus Moth Specimen
California Mantis Specimen
California Mantis Specimen

Acknowledgement

Institute of Museum and Library Services

This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (Grant #MG-40-18-0005-18). The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this presentation do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Essig Museum of Entomology

Thank you to the Essig Museum of Entomology at UC Berkeley who provided expert consultation about the bugs, as well as their support in taking microscope photos of them from actual bugs in their collection. Check out the gallery below!

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