DinoSAURian
DinoSAURian
We were there: Children's Campus at the University of Oldenburg
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Dr Mark-Tilo Schmitt and Laura Haarhus -
Distinguish between carnivores and herbivores with AR cards
Use of augmented reality using the example of dinosaurs
As part of the DinoSAURierproject, 3rd and 4th graders can work together with their teachers to expand their knowledge of dinosaurs. At various stations, learners can work in pairs to learn about different aspects of the life of dinosaurs and the further development of our idea of dinosaurs. They learn about dinosaurs using augmented reality cards that allow pupils to project dinosaurs into the environment and examine them.
The DinoSAURierproject is a doctoral project and is led by Laura Haarhus (Didactics of Science Education at the University of Oldenburg). The accompanying research focuses on the promotion of scientific modelling skills.
What does a day in the DinoSAURier project look like?
The project took place both in the SULab at the University of Oldenburg (see first pictures in the review) and at a school.
The children worked either with augmented reality models on the topic of dinosaurs or with analogue dinosaur models. Which class received which variant was decided at random. At the beginning, the pupils filled out a questionnaire (see Research tab). The classes were then introduced to the topic of dinosaurs and models. They were then divided into teams of two and worked through four stations with the help of a research booklet (see left). A brief overview of the content of the stations can be found in the table on the left. Afterwards, the pupils received a final questionnaire and were able to give brief feedback. All participants received a certificate in recognition of their work on the project.
Research
Meaning of the doctoral project
The DinoSAURierproject is a doctoral project. This means that a research project is associated with the visit to the SULab and the implementation of the project.
Questionnaire
At the beginning of the visit, the students fill out a questionnaire
- on their interest (in models, dinosaurs, science lessons)(example: I find the topic of dinosaurs interesting),
- the pupils' understanding of models(example: What should Robin consider when selecting a model?) and
- on specialised knowledge about dinosaurs(Example: Robin would like to learn about the T-Rex. Tick yes or no.).
These questions are asked again at the end of the project.
Digital or analogue?
The project was carried out either with augmented reality models on the topic of dinosaurs or with analogue dinosaur models. The classes were randomly assigned. One of the aims of this research is to investigate whether pupils can be better supported with digital models (AR models) or analogue models (e.g. crawling models).
Research booklet
The research booklet contains the tasks for the four stations. The pupils received a code at the beginning, which they wrote on their questionnaires and also on their research booklet. As the notes in the research booklet are also analysed, the booklet is collected and sent to the respective schools after evaluation.
Aim of the research
The aim of the research is to find out whether and to what extent the answers of the students who worked with the augmented reality models and the answers of the students who worked with the analogue dinosaur models differ.
For example, it could be found that the children who work with the AR models learn more than the other children. On the other hand, it could also be found that the children who work with the analogue dinosaur models learn more than the other children.