4-H Using AR and Gamification to Teach Students the Science Behind Rockets To The Moon

National 4-H Council worked with Groove Jones to build an engaging educational journey through an Augmented Reality (AR) experience as part of a curriculum developed by the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension. The goal was to deliver an interactive web application that would immerse users in the excitement of a rocket launch and inspire youth to further explore the science behind it. The AR environment features a rocket on its launch pad. Users control variables such as mass, thrust, and duration.

The AR environment features a rocket on its launch pad. Users control variables such as mass, thrust, and duration.

The success of the launch relies on accurately configuring these variables.

Gamification Experience Walkthrough

After launching the AR experience, users will arrive at a landing page. By tapping the “play in AR” button, they’ll craft their personalized virtual rocket, gear it up to escape from Earth’s gravity, and ultimately transport their astronaut to the moon.

Once the user positions the rocket in front of them, they will utilize the slides at the bottom of their screen. These sliders allow them to fine-tune elements: adjusting fuel reserves, determining the number of engines, and setting engine cut-off times. Additionally, users can tap on the rocket to apply personal touches to its appearance.

Users can explore different rocket components by clicking on their respective icons. This allows them to make informed adjustments to the sliders. The Capsule, housing travelers at the rocket’s apex, underscores its limited space. Fuel Tanks serve as reservoirs for the nitrogen and oxygen essential for the rocket’s power. In directing thrust against Earth’s gravity, Engines propel the rocket skyward. After adjusting the sliders to their preferences, the rocket lifts off into space. A new screen promptly reveals whether users have succeeded in accomplishing their mission or failed.

You succeed by landing your capsule and astronaut on the moon.

Overshoot the moon to come up short, and you fail your mission. But you can always try again and improve your game by learning what mistakes you made.

Customization Of Your Rocket

Users can customize their rockets by adding larger engines and fuel capacity.

By tapping the rocket, they can customize the color design of the rocket.

Development and Design

Groove Jones handled UI design, integrating Plane Detection (SLAM) technology for anchoring AR content. The app facilitates photo/video capture for social sharing, enhancing user engagement.

Additionally, audio components, including voiceovers and final mixing, complement the AR experience. Groove Jones curated a comprehensive audio landscape for added immersion. To check out the experience, visit https://4-h.org/clover/activities/rockets-to-the-moon/

About 4-H

4‑H is America’s largest youth development organization—empowering nearly six million young people with the skills to lead for a lifetime. 4‑H is delivered by Cooperative Extension—a community of more than 100 public universities nationwide that provides experiences where young people learn by doing. For over 100 years, 4‑H has welcomed young people of all beliefs and backgrounds, giving kids a voice to express who they are and how they improve their lives and communities. Through life-changing 4‑H programs, nearly six million kids and teens have taken on critical societal issues, such as addressing community health inequities, engaging in civil discourse, and advocating for equity and inclusion for all.