Synopsis:

This is a two part experience. The first illustrates the concept of escape velocity. The team picks and launches a rocket for a Mars mission. Watch as the rocket takes and see if can escape earth’s gravity pull. Students can ten vary the size and mass of earth to see how that affects escape velocity and therefore rocket of choice.

The second part deals with plantary orbits. Explore how orbital motion changes with variables like planet size and mass and discover how day and night or the seasons occur due to planetary motion.

Outcomes / Objectives:

• Explore how changes in variables impact escape velocity and orbital motion.
• Visualize in 3D the cause of day/night and seasons.
• Collect data for class discussion.

Mixed reality activity outline:

• Students enter or verify their name and chooses either the Gravity Quest or Solar Sandbox modes.
• In Gravity Quest mode, the students will see a Rocket Base where they will be briefed on the mission and objectives. They will have to pick a rocket for their mission from a selection of rockets of different weights and thrusts.
• The students will also have to add the payload to their rocket.  Once ready, the rocket is launched and the students can see how the rocket accelerates and if it reaches escape velocity.
• The students can also adjust earth’s size/mass to see how that impacts the choice of rocket due to the change to the planet’s gravity.
• In Solar Sandbox mode, the team will see a Mixed Reality solar system. The students can observe planetary orbit around the sun. The can pause orbit motion and rotation.
• Students can also change planet size and mass on the various orbital path and see how that affects the orbit parameters.
• Students will be able to collect data during the MR experience which they will receive at the end of the sessions.

What to expect:

• Our team arrives about 1 hour before scheduled start to set up.
• Students will be given a 5 minute brief on how to put on and use the hololens and an outline of the Holosphere 2 Mixed Reality experience.
• Each student will be given a task sheet prepared by the teacher.
• Students are seperated into Groups 1 and 2 for class sizes between 17-32 students.
• Group 1 will run the experience to complete the tasks and the groups change over when Group 1 has completed their session.
• Students/teacher receives analysis report at the end of each session.
• Alternatively, short term deployment of our rig at the school provides greater flexibility for teachers. In this case, teachers will be briefed on how to conduct the MR experience at their convenience.

Logistics:

• This MR experience is designed to supplement in class lesson plans. Teachers can create their  own task sheets for students or students can take a guided simulation.
• Unencumbered space of about 15 ft x 15 ft for each session to allow  students to move around safely.
• Power outlets and a desk will be required for the facilitator’s station.
• Sufficient space to conduct class briefing.