Magic Sand (Augmented Sensory Table) will immerse the children into a visual, tactile sensory exploration. The augmented sensory table is a hands-on sandbox exhibit combined with 3D visualization applications by researchers at UC Davis. The sandbox is augmented in real time with an elevation color map, that when the children mold/move the sand it makes contour lines and simulates water. AR sand box. It houses a computer program which is attached to the sand sensory table; it alters how the sand looks as the child plays, explores and moves the sand. The child will be able to create mountains, streams and even deserts. Having their (the children’s) sensory needs met will help the children self-regulate and help with concentration, which will in turn increase their development of fine motor, social emotional (controlling oneself and empathy for others), language (understanding what is being said to them and talking to a peer), speech, science and technology. We currently have sand tables, but the visual impact of the augmented sensory box will draw the child in and meet sensory needs on a tactile and visual level. Everyone needs to be able to manage daily input and be able to focus. The augmented sensory table in itself is astonishing, but if we start to add additional materials/loose parts for tinkering to the sensory box, the opportunities for the sensory box to change will be endless.
Ms. Katie and I were awarded this grant during the Covid-19 shut down. We have been working to build and program the computer to finally get this up and running. It did not disappoint!
No comments:
Post a Comment