Aurora Simulator: A Software Application for Exploring the Aurora in Upper Elementary Science Classrooms
Anisa Bora · 2022
The Aurora Simulator is a web-based software application prototype designed to support exploration of the natural phenomenon of the aurora.The application is intended for use in a classroom setting with upper elementary schoolaged learners and focuses on exploring the interactions of electrons entering the earth's atmosphere with gas particles at a range of altitudes above the earth.The application features dynamic visual representations of gas particle-electron interactions that learners can initiate as they explore the simulation.Additionally, learners can create physical representations of electrons and interact with the application through a video sensing feature that detects physical objects based on color in the learner's webcam view.During the session, participants will have the opportunity to engage with the Aurora Simulator application prototype.Participants can use built-in digital representations of electrons as well as physical representations of electrons of their own design to engage in the application.