Augmenting My Virtual Classroom With Merge Cube

A month has passed since we have transitioned to online learning, and teaching science has never been more difficult with the lack of hands-on experiments. While PhET simulations and Explore Learning Gizmos have been supplementing students’ experiences, I still find it difficult for students to connect to the real world, especially now that everybody’s in social distancing mode. This is when I started thinking about supplementing students’ learning with augmented reality experiences. The reason why I wanted to use augmented reality instead of  relying on traditional videos, is that augmented reality still requires students to use an object that resides in the real world, so it still allows students to go through the motions as they would in class. This way, students are more engaged instead of being passive, which is a pitfall of online learning.

WHAT IS AUGMENTED REALITY?

Augmented reality mixes computer-generated information with real world objects to create a more unique interactive environment.

WHAT IS MERGE CUBE?

MERGE Cube is a physical cube (purchased here) that acts as a surface for any personal devices’ camera to project simulations on. This allows for a seamless augmented reality experience for the user.

MERGE Cube has come a long way since I last blogged about it. When it was first released, all AR simulations were in separate apps so users had to download separate applications on their personal devices. Now, with the Merge Explorer app, everything is in one place, organized by their subjects.

These are the different categories available on the Merge Explorer app.

These are the different categories available on the Merge Explorer app.

Each simulation is accompanied by an Activity guide so that learning can be done asynchronously as well.

Students need breaks, and so do you. Some of these breaks should be screen-free breaks, but some of them could also be content-free breaks. We’ve had great success with the following platforms in conjunction with smaller groups.

This is the resolution and simulation from the Merge Cube Explorers. The simulation here is on an example food web in an ecosystem.

This is the resolution and simulation from the Merge Cube Explorers. The simulation here is on an example food web in an ecosystem.

HOW DO I USE MERGE CUBE ONLINE?

I use Google Meet predominantly, so this is my workflow.

  1. I start my class’s Google Meet like I would normally

  2. I log-into Google Meet using my work iPad

  3. I make sure that the mic is muted and speakers are turned off on the iPad, then I begin sharing Screen via my iPad

  4. I select the Merge Explorer app and selected the simulation that I wanted to use during the lesson

It’s as easy as that. 

One thing to note though is that the Merge Explorer app is a freeminum app, which means you have access to a limited list of free simulations. Any user can begin a free 7 day trial on the Merge Explorer app, after which, there are two subscriptions offered:

  1. Monthly Subscription $9.99

  2. Annual Subscription $99.99

The printable MERGE Cube works just as well as the actual MERGE Cube. All you need is a printer, a pair of scissors and some tape.

The printable MERGE Cube works just as well as the actual MERGE Cube. All you need is a printer, a pair of scissors and some tape.

What I love about it is that users have the option to download an online printable cube and construct one themselves making it very accessible to students during this time. Since most of the simulations are free, users can download a wide range of applications to play around!

When I first showed it to my students, they were very receptive as it was not something they would see normally with online learning: a teacher sharing a screen of their personal device and using it as a portal to learn instead of simply show and tell. MERGE Cube is a great visualization tool because students can manipulate the object as if it were 3D instead of having to use the traditional 2D models and they can have a better understanding of the concept from different angles.

This is a common image that my students see when learning about the Water Cycle. It’s 2D and the arrows show water movement.

This is a common image that my students see when learning about the Water Cycle. It’s 2D and the arrows show water movement.

With MERGE Cube, my students have a better understanding of water movement and the different states of water in the water cycle by manipulating the image to see it in different perspectives.

With MERGE Cube, my students have a better understanding of water movement and the different states of water in the water cycle by manipulating the image to see it in different perspectives.

MERGE Cube is a fantastic tool for visualization. If you are interested, here’s what you need to start:

Happy AR-ing!

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Meet Isabella

Hi, I’m Isabella

I’m a chemistry teacher with a demonstrated history of working in the secondary education and non-profit industries. I have taught students with diverse backgrounds in three different countries. As a recognized Apple Distinguished Educator and Google for Education Trainer, I am skilled in educational technology, curriculum design and assessment delivery. Through this platform, I hope to share my expertise in using technology to help engage students in new ways.

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