Virtual Jamestown:
Paspahegh Village
The virtual Paspahegh project is a 3D re-creation of a Native American village near
Jamestown, Virginia, USA. The layout and artifacts of the village are entirely based
on archaeological data, illustrations, and journals from the period.
Younger learners explore natural resources and cultural differences. Older learners
brainstorm and storyboard game scenarios set in the village.
Using cameras and MMUVA software, students’ movements are converted into
visual and audio representations on an electronic canvas. As students interact with
the technology, they create something unique and completely dependent on their
personal motion.
To understand the inspiration for the brush strokes, learners explore the history
and context of Jackson Pollock’s art.
Sound Fields This project teaches about sound and light using a field of soundflowers—virtual
flowers that respond to a sound’s direction, frequency, and intensity.
Students develop an understanding of the characteristics of sound waves, magnetic
fields, and light by exploring the field of soundflowers, a field of compasses, and
even a football field.
Interactive Taiji Interactive Taiji combines the physical and mental benefits of Taiji (tai chi)
movements with the context of Chinese music. The program is delivered using
the Wii Fit platform. Input from the platform drives the simulation by monitoring
participant posture and movements.
Learners explore the history of tai chi in the context of the history of China.
They use data from Interactive Taiji to create graphs and track their progress.
Rhythmatical This iPhone/iPod app is a game that uses music to learn math. Using the interactive
capabilities of the iPod touch, students learn math in tactile and kinesthetic ways.
Younger students will explore the process of game design while older students
will learn game development, allowing for multilevel collaboration. Students not
only play the games, but also take part in the design and development process.
This project combines the use of robotic technology and responsive architecture to
illustrate how robotics can be used to create environments that respond to human
and natural interaction.
Through the use of basic robotics, sensors, and prototypes of building designs,
students explore how changing variables affect the architectural design/
environment. Students learn the costs, benefits, and environmental implications
of energy-saving architectural designs.
Merging Arts and
Engineering via
Rapid Prototyping
Rapid prototyping is used in engineering to do cost-effective testing of products
before mass production. This project illustrates the bridge between the arts and
engineering, showing students with strong artistic skills their role in the field of
engineering.
Educational Enhancement Collaboration Projects
Technology
Internet, free 3D game
development program
Movement through
Music and Visual Arts
(MMUVA)
Webcam, internet, speakers,
projector (optional)
Internet
Wii Fit board(s), computer,
projector, OSCulator software
license (available online)
iPhone or iPod touch, free
Rhythmatical app from i Tunes
Prototyping in
Architectural Robotics
for Technology-enriched
Education (PARTeE)
FLOWer kit with sensors
(available through IDEAS)
3D printer, free computer model-
ing software, videos of prototype
machine in action
Learners explore how simple machines are used in combination to make the rapid
prototyping machine work. They also design objects to be created by the machine.
