AP Psychology Lab Brings the Brain to Life through Augmented Reality

Students taking AP Psychology had a chance to use some of the technology in the new Innovation Commons this week.

For a lab project focused on brain structures and functions, students worked in small groups to research their assigned brain structures and then create 3D models of them. The groups presented their findings to the class using augmented reality technology in the new Innovation Commons.

"The lab allowed the students to explore the brain in 3D by seeing the brain from different planes and angles," said Psychology teacher Dr. Peter Bagetta, adding that the goal of the lab was twofold: for students to learn more about the specific brain regions, and to help students process and decode the brain in 3D to better understand the brain and how it works.

"This project is a perfect example of the co-curricular opportunities that are available within the new Innovation Commons," said Mr. Jonathan Spencer, Gonzaga's Assistant Director of Educational Technology and AV Specialist. "The conceptualization and integration of research, development, and utilization of 3D applications challenges students with a creative process that takes them beyond the classroom. Additionally, using Augmented Reality (or AR) provides students with the opportunity to present content in a more interactive and engaging way. Via 3D and AR technology, presentations move from the prototypical slideshow format to a fully immersive experience."

Click the play button below to see some examples of the students' presentations and 3D models -- both in the app and in the Innovation Commons space.