Sheffield’s Twinkl will release the world’s first augment reality game to teach children STEM (science, technology, engineering, maths) subjects next week.
ARchitect introduces pupils to different material, structural integrity and construction.
It can be played by up to 4 people and invites players to create structures using different materials such as wood and ice, whilst facing challenges and adverse conditions.
It will be showcased later this month at the Bett education technology show in London.
“ARchitect was inspired by the challenge often used in schools to build the tallest tower out of marshmallows and uncooked spaghetti,” explained Pete Casson, chief technology officer at Twinkl.
“The game hasn’t been designed to replace such activities but to be used alongside them. The main benefit of using ARchitect is that it allows children to build things that would otherwise be impossible, such as the biggest tower in the world made of wood or a bridge made entirely of ice, all in 3D.
“They can then experiment with how these structures withstand different weights and conditions and how the different materials interact. The game provides a foundation for the methods used in real-life construction and engineering, on the same scale and with the same materials. The game was created to provide an exhilarating experience, to inspire children to explore STEM subjects further in the future.”
It will be available to download for free from next week via the Apple app store.
“Twinkl has explored AR in the classroom for some time now, seeing its potential as a technology that is becoming increasingly accessible, has a low cost, is easy to use and has huge scope in terms of how it can be used in lessons,” continued Casson.
“We believe technology can be used to aid learning in all subject areas and alongside a range of teaching methods and styles. Twinkl always works with the teaching community on any product we design and we will continue to work with educators and children as we explore how augmented reality can be used to support teachers and enhance learning.”
