solAR – Solar System in AR

Available on the App Store

Learning Goals: Understand and explore the Earth and moon in our solar system with the help
of augmented reality.

Engagement in the Learning 0=NO 1=Somewhat 2=YES

The technology allows students to focus 2

on the assignment or activity with less
distraction (time-on-task).

The technology motivates students to 2

start the learning process.

1
The technology causes a shift in the
behavior of students where they move
from passive to active social learners
(co-use).

Is there significant engagement?

Somewhat/Yes. With this app, students are able to explore several planets, moons, the
inner solar system, and the outer solar system (although you have to upgrade, which costs
$5). With that being said, the app is very interactive and allows the students to explore by
zooming in and out, scrolling, and tapping. There are two different modes, 3D and AR,
which is very fun to look at. This makes it very engaging and motivating for students
because they can play around and discover new things the solar system. As for co-use, the
students could share a device and explore the solar system, but that would be up to the
teacher/educator.

Enhancement of the Learning Goals 0=NO 1=Somewhat 2=YES

 The technology tool allows students to 1
develop a more sophisticated
understanding of the learning goals or
content (higher-order thinking skills).

The technology creates supports 1

(scaffolds) to make it easier to understand
concepts or ideas.

The technology creates paths for students 2

to demonstrate their understanding of
the learning goals in a way that they
could not do with traditional tools.

Is there significant enhancement?

Somewhat/Yes. This app allows students to understand and explore our solar system in a
more hands-on and enhancing way. It may make it easier to them to understand the
concept of the Earth and other planets, moons, and the solar system, but there could be
more information on these concepts added into the app. This app also allows the students
to explore the learning goals in a way that they could not do with traditional tools. It is
much more enhancing to explore the solar system in AR, rather than through a
presentation or paper.

Extension of the Learning Goals 0=NO 1=Somewhat 2=YES

The technology creates opportunities for 2

students to learn outside of their typical
school day.

The technology creates a bridge between 0

students’ school learning and their
everyday life experiences.
 The technology allows students to 0
develop skills that they can use in their
everyday lives.

Is there significant extension?

No. Although the students could use this app outside of their typical school day, it doesn’t
really extend their learning into their everyday lives. While the AR aspect of exploring the
solar system is fun, engaging, and enhancing, it doesn’t really apply to life experiences and
skills. The app doesn’t allow students to develop or extend skills that they can use in their
everyday life, therefore there is very little extension of the learning goals.

Total

12