MicroWorld: An Augmented-Reality Arabian App to Learn Atomic Space

Abstract

The visualization of objects of an abstract nature has always been a challenge for chemistry learners. Thus, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) have been heavily invested in as immersive learning methods for these concepts. This study targets the segment of the chemistry curriculum involving the chemical elements of the periodic table. For this purpose, we developed the AR educational tool called MicroWorld. This Arabic educational AR app was developed in unity with Vuforia SDK. Using MicroWorld, students can visualize chemical elements microstructures in 3D, see 3D models of the elements in their substantial forms, and combine two chemical elements to see how certain chemical compounds can be formed. In this work, MicroWorld’s usability was evaluated by junior high school students and chemistry teachers using the Arabic system usability scale (A-SUS). The A-SUS average score was 71.5 for junior high school students, while the scale for teachers reached 76. This research aims to design, develop, and evaluate the AR app, MicroWorld. This app was built and evaluated through the lens of the design science research paradigm.