5. Emerging Technologies
Context
The scientific method profoundly influences our understanding of the natural world, providing a systematic approach to inquire and discover new knowledge. However, merging scientific theory with practice remains a challenge with current resources, programming limitations, and possible infrastructure barriers that hinder experiment-based science learning. Leveraging online tools and augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies can allow your participants to explore in ways never thought possible.
On the other end of emerging technologies are automated systems and robotics. We’ve explored AI and its ability to automate, but what are some applications related to robotics and automated physical systems that can be explored with your participants? The technologies discussed in this module are current emerging technologies but that may change in the future. We encourage you to explore other emerging technologies and how they may be relevant to your participants!
Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Digital Simulations
Spatial computing is a technology that enables computers to blend in with the physical world. Spatial computing uses a combination of software and sensors to take real world inputs and turn them into realistic virtual outputs. The main types of spatial computing technologies are Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR).
AR and VR both use digital simulations to create digital environments that appear to exist in the physical world. A simulation is an imitation of a real-world process or system. Simulations are used:
- To help people train for dangerous or difficult jobs
- To predict an outcome based on a set of inputs (data)
- To observe abstract concepts in a more concrete and experiential way
- To test a product under certain conditions.
Explore this video to learn more about VR’s use in education: 'Metaverse school' teachers students using VR (Reuters, 2:38).
The table below contains a variety of digital simulations you can explore for use in your programming that don’t involve the use of VR or AR. Once again consider how the Substitution, Augmentation, Modification and Redefinition (SAMR) Model can be applied to the types of simulation tools discussed in this section.
| Digital Simulation | Description | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| PhET | PhET - STEM - conduct virtual experiments and simulations | Free, *available offline with app |
| Virtual Microscope | Virtual Microscope - 3D models of real earth specimens | Free |
| JavaLab | JavaLab - conduct virtual experiments and simulations | Free |
| SimBucket | SimBucket - conduct virtual experiments and simulations | Free |
| *Gizmos | Gizmos - conduct virtual experiments and simulations | Has free and paid simulations |
*Requires creating an account. Ensure you ask your program lead before creating an account!
Automated Systems
Automated Systems describe any kind of mechanical process that is controlled by software to complete tasks on its own. As AI technology gets better, automated systems can be used more and more to help humans with mundane, dangerous or challenging tasks. An automated system uses sensors to collect and monitor data in real-time to make a decision.
An example of a very simple automated system is a thermostat.
- It has a temperature sensor inside that collects the current temperature
- The software is programmed to react to certain conditions based on the incoming data
- The thermostat then makes a decision based on the incoming data and its programming to carry out its task; raising, lowering or maintaining the current temperature.
All automated systems follow a similar routine to the one above by sensing its environment, collecting data, interpreting the data, and then making a decision based on the interpretation. Some examples of automated systems that make things easier for humans are:
- Sensors that monitor soil moisture and activate a sprinkler system when the moisture level isn’t in optimal range.
- Sensors on the front of a car that trigger a warning and pump the brakes when it comes too close to another vehicle.
- Sensors that scan food products on an assembly line and sort out any products that aren’t to manufacturers’ standards.
- Sensors that monitor humidity and temperature in an at risk forest to provide an early warning of a forest fire.
Activity 10: Automate to Innovate
Complete this activity in your Module Workbook or on your own device.
Reflection Questions:
1. Can you think of two examples of automation that you or your participants might interact with? This could involve the food you eat, the products you use or be related to a hobby or job.
2. Do any STEM concepts come to mind? Note those down as well.
Examples could include:
- Baby carrots come in a uniform size and shape. (Agriculture, Manufacturing)
- The scales and sensors at the self-checkout machine at the store can tell if you’ve missed scanning a product. (Math, Engineering)
- Sensors in the forest send out an early warning when conditions favour a forest fire. (Environment, Weather, Biology)
3. Now think of a current problem related to one of those STEM concepts. Create an innovative idea that could help address this problem. Keep the following in mind:
- The sky is the limit, don’t let our current technological limits constrain your idea.
- How would you train this automated system? What kinds of data would it collect and use?
- What benefit would this new idea have for society?
The activity you just worked through is a great way to get participants thinking about the automated processes around them and how they connect to STEM. Are you aware of other emerging technologies? How might they be relevant to your participants?
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