Teach-Primary-Issue-19.2

Augmented reality has become a game-changer in the classroom. In this lesson, we’re going to use the Halo AR app ( haloar.app ) to uncover and visualise the processes and mysteries of volcanic eruptions. A few years ago, I discovered the potential of AR within teaching while using an app called Aurasma – now sadly discontinued – and realised how it could be an incredible engagement tool. I was able to make the invisible visible, adding excitement and transforming abstract ideas into something tangible and memorable. Hopefully, today you’ll experience the same... 1 | BEHIND-THE-SCENES PREP You’ll need to prepare your Halo AR materials in advance. The app is completely free and takes only a few taps to set up. You will need a video or animated GIF (e.g. from Giphy) to add to the Halo AR app (e.g. mantle movement, magma rising, lava flows). I’ve found a few examples at tinyurl. com/tp-VolcanoGIFs Next, ensure you have selected trigger images to pair with your GIFs. The app has excellent tutorial videos at tinyurl.com/ tp-HaloHowTo but essentially, whenever a trigger image is scanned by your device, your chosen GIF or video will play. So, for example, you could print a picture of some lava coming out of a volcano, then whenever you or your pupils scan the picture with the Halo AR app, your chosen video or GIF will play (such as lava flowing). Print out a series of trigger images, ensuring each one shows a distinct part of the eruption process, and display them around your classroom. There are some good free images on Freepik, you just need to remember to add an attribution: tinyurl.com/ tp-VolcanicProcess 2 | INTRODUCE AR AND THE MISSION Tell the class: “Today, we’re geographers, studying START HERE MAIN LESSON WHAT THEY’LL LEARN l To use tablets and AR apps like Halo AR to visualise and interact with learning materials l To explain the stages of volcanic eruptions and their connection to divergent plate boundaries l To interpret digital information and apply it to geographic concepts Geography, Computing I usually start with retrieval linking back to previous learning. Ask the children what they know about volcanoes, and use a simple retrieval task like displaying images of Iceland’s map on your interactive whiteboard or using a visualiser, with the tectonic boundaries marked (there’s a simple one on Wikipedia at tinyurl.com/tp-IcelandPlates ) . Ask pupils to describe what they see, and then predict why Iceland is a hotspot for volcanic activity. You can also provide pairs or groups with printouts of the map for annotation. To ensure the AR is an integral part of the lesson (rather than an add-on), encourage them to write down questions they’d like the AR to help them answer. This light introduction sets the stage for curiosity, while allowing all children to engage. Engage and excite pupils by using an app to truly bring volcanoes to life, with Karl McGrath KS2 LESSON PLAN linktr.ee/mrmict @MRMICT See volcanic eruptions in action with AR 94 | www.teachwire.net