Virtual Sandbox

A substantial part of current research is the virtualization of production processes, products, or phenomena in nature via computational models. For example, our research group aims on modeling production processes for drugs in order to achieve maximum product safety at minimum production costs. The result of our research are simulation programs, which are often accessible only by experts, and hence are difficult to communicate to a broader audience. Virtualization of processes and products is, however, of outstanding importance, and, for example, will be one of the cornerstones of the next industrial revolution. Our proposal presents a sandbox both on the computer and in reality. Specifically, we aim on three target groups: (I) publics in primary schools, (II) pupils in secondary schools, as well as (III) students and interested individuals. Target group I will be confronted with the following questions to deliver the message of the project: What is the recipe for a sand castle?, Why do sand castles fall when the sun shines on them?, or What differentiates a solid from a liquid?. Target group II will be confronted with the newly developed virtual sandbox that consists of a simulation application that is embedded in an augmented reality environment. Thereby the pupils in target group II will be enabled to perform real-life, as well as a virtual experiments to experience the advantages of computer simulations. Central element is to seek for an answer to the questions Why do we need computer simulations?, and How do computer simulations work?. In addition, a number of exercises are proposed to answer the following questions: What are important particle properties, and how can they be measures?, or How dense can we pack particles, and why is this important?. The strategy to transport the content will be developed to conform with Austrias national education strategy focusing on competence-based teaching. Finally, the usage of the virtual sandbox, as well as details regarding the underlying technology will be offered to target group III via a variety of events. For example, we plan to present the virtual sandbox during the Long night of Research, or TU Graz open house event. The primary goal is to make this target group aware of the cost and benefits of simulation tools, or why the development of simulation programs takes such a long time. Finally, the broader audience will be made aware of simulation-based technologies by confronting them with a number of industrial projects.

The virtualization of production processes, products, or phenomena in nature via theoretical models is of central importance for todays research. The result of such research activities are computer programs, which are often accessible only by experts, and hence are difficult to communicate to a general audience. The objective of this project was the preparation of research results from the topic "wet sand" that are understandable for non-experts. The project activities included the development of software and hardware for the realization of a "virtual sandbox": this sandbox allowed the measurement of the height profile of a sand surface, and the projection of the height information back onto the sand. Furthermore, the collected height information can be used in simulations, for example for the prediction of the water distribution in and on the sand. This part of the project primarily aimed on generating curiosity among the target groups.In addition to the "Virtual Sandbox", teaching materials from the field of "wet sand" were prepared in cooperation with the University of Teacher Education Styria. These materials were used for teaching in schools (elementary school, new middle school, AHS and BMHS), as well as for the training of teachers. In particular, lessons can be taught in the fields of (i) physics, (ii) mathematics, and (iii) computer science. The materials are especially suitable for the teaching principle of inquiry-based learning this principle focuses on an experiment and the independent investigation of a problem by students. The project results showed that the topic "wet sand" can be projected on all school levels, and that exciting experiments and research questions can be formulated. A key challenge is the meaningful connection between real-world experiments and computer simulations.