Wonderlab AR: Bringing Science Education Beyond Museum Walls

The Wonderlab AR project, developed by the Science Museum Group in partnership with PRELOADED, exemplifies how augmented reality (AR) can extend educational experiences beyond physical spaces. Originally designed as an interactive gallery at the Science Museum, Wonderlab was popular for its hands-on exhibits demonstrating scientific phenomena like lightning and space travel. Building on this success, the Science Museum sought to expand these experiences into everyday life through the Niantic Lightship ARDK platform.

Wonderlab AR aims to bring science into the real world by transforming everyday environments into interactive learning experiences. Utilizing geospatial technologies, the app functions as a location-based game where users, particularly young audiences and families, explore their surroundings to uncover scientific phenomena. The game-like format encourages users to venture outdoors, searching for points of interest such as lamp posts or bridges, which are mapped and linked to scientific concepts through a custom content matrix.

The core of Wonderlab AR is a location-based treasure hunt. Players are guided by cryptic clues to find and interact with various hotspots, each offering a unique visual representation of scientific principles. For example, a bridge might be used to explore the forces involved in its construction, while an ATM serves as a point to learn about the historical use of radioactive carbon. This approach not only makes science accessible but also demonstrates its relevance in everyday contexts.

PRELOADED harnessed the Niantic Lightship ARDK to create engaging AR effects, visualizing scientific concepts through real-time interactions. The app uses AR to reveal hidden wonders in the environment, such as visualizing light reflections, electricity flow, and sound waves. It even simulates a cosmic rift that immerses users in the vastness of space. This innovative use of AR technology not only makes abstract scientific phenomena tangible but also fosters a deeper understanding of science’s role in the real world.

The success of Wonderlab AR highlights AR's potential to make science education more interactive and accessible, extending learning opportunities beyond traditional museum experiences. By blending physical exploration with digital discoveries, the project exemplifies how AR can transform everyday environments into rich educational landscapes.