# Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media

> **NIH NIH R43** · 3D MOLECULAR DESIGNS · 2021 · $224,869

## Abstract

Project Summary
Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media
Science and STEM education requires more effective tools that will engage student attention, challenge them to think
critically, and help them learn critical science literacy concepts to create a stronger workforce and citizenry. The primary
objective of the project Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media, is to transport
students further into the molecular world by developing augmented reality (AR) modules that seamlessly extend the
value of 3D Molecular Designs’ (3DMD) models. With 3DMD AR, students will engage with 3DMD’s models in a new
way, intuitively navigating at their own pace and constructing their own knowledge while being guided by seamlessly
integrated interactive digital media. Immersed in the intrinsic dynamics of molecular structures, they will manipulate the
physical model – moving, rotating, adjusting – while digital features move in concert revealing new layers of complexity.
3DMD AR will allow educators to engage more students at middle school, high school, and undergraduate levels by
piquing their interest with cutting edge technology and game-based learning applications. The addition of AR features
to these instructional materials will not only expand the range of molecular concepts that can be taught with each
modeling kit, but will also engage a broader range of today’s students from both economically disadvantaged schools
and remote learning environments. 3DMD AR has broad STEM commercial and educational potential. The augmented
reality modules described in this proposal can be deployed with any smart mobile device (phone or tablet), making
3DMD AR accessible to a wide range of schools and budgets.
Phase I of the project will focus on the feasibility of using augmented reality with our current physical models. The
Specific Aims of the project are:
 1. Test the feasibility of augmented reality software to identify and track the movement with 3DMD’s five types of
 physical models: 2D-printed graphics, die-stamped foam, plastic injection-molded molecules, 3D-printed proteins,
 and a flexible foam-covered modeling wire (mini toober).
 2. Focusing one type of physical model – injection-molded water molecules – 3DMD will test the feasibility of
 augmented reality software to: overlay a variety of types of digital media, allow user actions to trigger responses
 from the AR software, and determine optimal techniques to interact with physical models and digital devices.
By following an internal process of iterative design, the research team will test augmented reality targeting techniques
to identify and track physical models. After targeting is achieved, the team will continue this process to develop digital
overlays, trigger responses, and ergonomics. The Education Advisory Group will inform the research team of the most
useful content to augment the physical models and critique the initial usability of the appli...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10254633
- **Project number:** 1R43GM142331-01
- **Recipient organization:** 3D MOLECULAR DESIGNS
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark Andrew Hoelzer
- **Activity code:** R43 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2021
- **Award amount:** $224,869
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2021-04-07 → 2022-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10254633

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10254633, Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media (1R43GM142331-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10254633. Licensed CC0.

---

*[NIH grants dataset](/datasets/nih-grants) · CC0 1.0*