Augmented Reality in physics classes -

PUMA: Physics Lessons with Augmentation

• Project Overview: PUMA (Physics lessons with augmentation) is a research project at the Department of Physics and its Didactics aimed at designing and testing Augmented Reality (AR) apps to improve physics education and reduce student misconceptions.
• Core Philosophy: AR bridges the gap between real-world experiments and abstract physical models, making invisible processes (like electron flow or magnetic fields) visible and intuitive.
• Available Applications:
  • Voltage Lab: Supports conceptual understanding of electrical circuits by overlaying model ideas onto real experiments or virtual simulations.
  • Magnet Lab: A framework app for student laboratories that visualizes magnetic fields and atomic structures using QR-coded components (optimized for MEKRUPHY Elektrik 2 kits).
  • Optics Lab: Uses a "WebAR" approach (browser-based, no installation required) to address common optics misconceptions. It allows students to manipulate virtual lenses and lasers via physical markers on a table.
  • InductionPiDAR: Simulates electromagnetic induction by tracking the movement of a mobile device (representing a magnet) relative to a marker (representing a coil) to generate virtual voltage.
• Methodology:
  • Design Based Research (DBR): The project focuses on practical classroom suitability and the scientific study of how AR influences cognitive learning processes.
  • Accessibility: A primary goal is to provide didactically valuable, free-of-charge materials to teachers to address the lack of digital media integration in current teacher training and school curricula.
• Technical Approach: The project is shifting toward WebAR technologies to remove the "hurdle" of native app installation, ensuring ease of use in spontaneous classroom settings.
• Contact: For further information, contact Dr. Christoph Stolzenberger.