The K-12 Haptics-Augmented Science Education Homepage

Robert L. Williams II and Meng-Yun Chen, Ohio University

Jeffrey M. Seaton, NASA Langley Research Center

Contact Information

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These products are based upon work supported by the NASA Learning Technologies Project under Grant NAG-1-2299.

This web page presents haptics-augmented software and science tutorials to support NASA education outreach. "Haptics" comes from the Greek meaning "to touch". Haptic interfaces provide force and touch feedback to the human from a computer. Since humans rely on multiple senses to interact with the real world, haptics can greatly augment Internet-based education tools: "feeling is believing". This web page attempts bring science education to life by allowing students to "feel" concepts presented in science class. In this way, learning and retention will be enhanced. Through experiencing haptics, it is hoped that more students will be excited by and excel in science and mathematics and thus increase our technical base for the future. Required is a PC with Internet connection and a Microsoft Sidewinder Haptic Interface. Currently three levels of haptics-augmented science education programs and tutorials are available:

· Haptics-Augmented Simple Machines (for elementary school students)

· Haptics-Augmented Pre-Physics Simulations (for middle school students)

· Haptics-Augmented Physics Simulations (for high school physics students)

Phase I Results

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