Sep 01, 2020 2020-09-01
Mobile Learning
Reach Across the Stars: A Universe of Explorers is an XR journey that lets users virtually “meet” female STEM heroes on their iOS or Android device. In the app’s journeys, a current scientist takes viewers into her work environment, recalling her favorite career moments, as well as challenges and obstacles. Some of the featured stories combine audio interviews, video, 3D environments, and 360-degree virtual-reality content to let viewers peek into the worlds of these scientific heroes. Students can explore NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory with astronaut Cady Coleman, tour the Crab Nebula pulsar with astrophysicist Jocelyn Bell Burnell, and get a behind-the-scenes look at the Mars 2020 rover with Christina Hernandez, an instrument engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Other women in the app’s stories include computer scientist Grace Hopper, astronomer Nancy Roman, mathematician Katherine Johnson, physicist and chemist Marie Curie, and astronauts Mae Jemison and Sally Ride. The project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative Because of Her Story, an ambitious undertaking to research, collect, document, display, and share the compelling stories of women. Cost: Free
Virtual Reality • Augmented Reality STEM • STEAM • STREAM Underserved Populations Educational Technology 21st Century Themes
Digital Learning • Learning Support
Funding & Recognition
Mobile Learning
Professional Growth
Social Media
STEM • STEAM • STREAM