Augmented Reality and Animation Supported-STEM Activities in Grades K-12: Water Treatment

Abstract

Animation is used to increase the interest and engagement of students in the learning environment. Animation is exciting and fun, and using animation, abstract concepts are easy to present, display, and convey to students. Augmented reality, like animation, can help make it easier to understand abstract concepts. In many areas, augmented reality is used in education since it perfectly integrates virtual content with the natural world. STEM education is one of the areas where augmented reality can be used effectively. In this context, this research aimed to reveal the fourth-grade students' opinions about augmented reality and animation-supported STEM activities on the "Water Treatment" topic. These STEM activities were carried out with 15 (7 females, 8 males) fourth-grade students from a primary school in Turkey and lasted for 6 lesson hours. This study is a case study. As data collection tools in the study, the Know-Want-Learned chart, and the Application General Evaluation Form, which consists of eight open-ended questions developed by the researchers, were used. Based on the study's findings and the researchers' observations, it was determined that the augmented reality and animation-supported STEM activities are appropriate for acquisition, content, application, active participation, duration, and student level. In addition, the activities were enjoyable, humorous, engaging, and exciting. It is recommended in this context to conduct similar studies on different disciplines or concepts.

Development of E-Book Integrated Augmented Reality Based on STEM Approaches to Improve Critical Thinking and Multiple Representation Skills in Learning Physics

“…In addition, the results of the study found that the use of STEM-based android applications with the help of Augmented Reality increased learning outcomes for students, as seen from the N-gain scores of the experimental class in the high category. This is in line with research by Usta [40] that the use of animation is intriguing and fun, and by using animation, abstract concepts are easily presented, displayed, and conveyed to students. This study found that STEM education is an area where Augmented Reality can be used effectively.…”

“…The study found that using a STEM approach improved students' thinking at school [34]. Furthermore, Usta and Ultay et al also researched AR with a STEM approach, which found that AR animation was exciting and fun, abstract concepts were easy to present, and that STEM education was one area where Augmented Reality could be used effectively [40]. Various benefits have been found in previous relevant research.…”

Teaching “Let’s learn the force” unit with STEM-based activities to 3rd grade students

“…Bunu sağlayabilmek için teknoloji destekli eğitim araştırmalarının, bu anlamda da özellikle STEM'in eğitim alanında popülerliliğin arttığı dikkati çekmektedir. Son yıllardaki çalışmalar incelendiğinde STEM eğitimi odaklı çalışmaların öğrencilerin 21. yüzyıl becerilerini geliştirmede oldukça etkili olduğu görülmektedir (Alberta Education, 2007;Beane, 1991;Bybee, 2013;Dönmez Usta & Ültay, 2022;Ültay vd., 2021;Martín-Páezet vd., 2019). STEM, fen, teknoloji, mühendislik ve matematik alanlarını kapsayan ve bunları kullanarak günlük yaşam problemlerine özgün/yaratıcı çözümler getirmeyi amaçlayan bir eğitim yaklaşımıdır (Ring vd., 2017).…”