Pilot Study Using the Augmented Reality Sandbox to Teach Topographic Maps and Surficial Processes in Introductory Geology Labs

• Published in: Journal of geoscience education Vol. 55; no. 2; pp. 199 - 214
• Main Authors: Caisová, Lenka, Reed, Sarah, Hsi, Sherry, Woods, John A., Woods, Michael R.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis 01.03.2016; National Association of Geoscience Teachers 19.08.2016
• Subjects: Adaptation; augmented reality sandbox; Chaetopeltidales; Chlorophyta; Coccoid alga; Dicranochaetaceae; Dicranochaete variabilis sp. nov; embodied learning; geology labs; Nutrient uptake; Peat bogs; Seta; spatial thinking; Spiny cap; surficial processes; topographic maps
• ISSN: 0031-8884; 1089-9995; 2158-1428; 2330-2968
• DOI: 10.2216/15-135.1

Spatial thinking is often challenging for introductory geology students. A pilot study using the Augmented Reality sandbox (AR sandbox) suggests it can be a powerful tool for bridging the gap between two-dimensional (2D) representations and real landscapes, as well as enhancing the spatial thinking and modeling abilities of students. The AR sandbox involves a real box of sand with virtual contour lines and a water flow model created using a three-dimensional (3D) scanning camera, visualization software, and a projector. It was used in undergraduate, physical geology courses to teach topographic maps and surficial features and processes. The instructor demonstrated topographic concepts (contour lines, topographic profiles, etc.), and students engaged in model building of coastal and fluvial environments (drainage basins, cutoffs, longshore transport, sea-level rise, spits, flooding, etc.). The virtual water flow model was used to illustrate water flow dynamics on surface features. With the AR sandbox connected to a computer monitor, students could simultaneously see 3D landscapes in the sandbox and their corresponding 2D images on the monitor. Students used camera phones to capture landscape models they built and submitted them via e-mail for grading. Exit surveys indicated students were overwhelmingly positive (97%) in their perception of how the AR sandbox improved their understanding of learning objectives. They also preferred AR sandbox activities when compared to traditional laboratories that used only topographic maps. Effective classroom use of the AR sandbox required developing student-modeling exercises that took advantage of real-time feedback, virtual water, and physical modeling activities. While data are limited and more research is needed, real-time feedback on student models by both the students and the instructor suggests sandbox models are particularly useful for dispelling student misconceptions.
Dicranochaete is a green coccoid alga with a spiny cap and a long branched seta that was described more than 100 yr ago from field samples. Although Dicranochaete has been repeatedly reported to be found on Sphagnum 'leaves' in peat bogs, our knowledge about its development is still fragmentary, and its phylogenetic affiliation remained controversial. To advance knowledge about this lesser-known alga, I used two Dicranochaete strains, grew them in a medium that mimics chemical properties of peat bogs and studied their life history and development. Furthermore, phylogenetic analyses using rDNA sequence comparisons were performed. My studies resulted in the following key observations: (1) Dicranochaete possesses a unique development that together with its characteristic morphology likely represents adaptations to the specific environment of peat bogs: the spiny cap, especially in early stages of algal development, presumably serves as a defence against predators. The seta provides an additional surface area to aid the uptake of nutrients, in particular phosphate. (2) Phylogenetic analyses identified Dicranochaete as a member of the Chaetopeltidales (Chlorophyceae). Moreover, a new species of Dicranochaete, Dicranochaete variabilis sp. nov., was erected, and the genus Dicranochaete Hieronymus (1890) was emended. In conclusion, this study provides new insights into the life history, developmental processes and phylogenetic position of Dicranochaete and provides insights into adaptation of epiphyllous microalgae to nutrient-poor environments (i.e. peat bogs).