The K-12
Haptics-Augmented Science Education Homepage
Robert L. Williams
II and Meng-Yun Chen, Ohio University
These products are based upon work supported by the NASA Learning
Technologies Project under Grant NAG-1-2299.
This web
page presents haptics-augmented software and science
tutorials to support NASA education outreach. "Haptics" comes from
the Greek meaning "to touch". Haptic interfaces provide force and touch feedback to the
human from a computer. Since humans rely
on multiple senses to interact with the real world, haptics
can greatly augment Internet-based education tools: "feeling is believing". This web page attempts bring science
education to life by allowing students to "feel" concepts presented
in science class. In this way, learning and retention will be enhanced. Through experiencing haptics,
it is hoped that more students will be excited by and excel in science and
mathematics and thus increase our technical base for the future. Required is a PC
with Internet connection and a Microsoft Sidewinder Haptic
Interface. Currently three levels of
haptics-augmented science education programs and
tutorials are available:
