# Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media

> **NIH NIH R44** · 3D MOLECULAR DESIGNS · 2022 · $940,669

## Abstract

Project Summary
Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media
Science and STEM education require 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. In this Phase
II project of Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media, 3D Molecular Designs (3DMD)
will transport students further into the molecular world by developing augmented reality (AR) modules that seamlessly
extend the value of 3DMD’s physical models. With our new product, 3DMD AR, students will engage with 3DMD’s
existing physical 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 (IDM). 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. After a successful Phase I that demonstrated the feasibility of using 3DMD’s existing
models and kits as AR targets, Phase II is designed to test the hypothesis that the enhancement of 3DMD’s physical
models with AR technology will result in a significant increase in the NGSS DCI learning gain for each activity.
3DMD AR brings multiple innovations into one powerful package. First, 3DMD AR uses augmented reality to maximize
the effectiveness of physical models and interactive digital media, while mitigating the limitations of each medium.
Second, we ground our AR with meaningful real-world objects – 3DMD’s proven effective physical models, giving AR
technology a purpose beyond simple engagement. Third, 3DMD AR incorporates personalization, constructivist learning,
and collaboration by requiring students to manipulate the physical models to progress through activities. Finally,
through 3DMD’s custom scripting innovations, 3DMD AR can track and differentiate 3DMD’s small models and kit
components ranging from .75-1.5” (instead of the recommended 5”) that are already in the hands of 1 million students.
Phase II will focus on the development of the AR activities, usability, testing, and an educational assessment:
Specific Aim 1: Develop 24 modular AR activities that pair IDM with 3DMD’s top physical model products.
Specific Aim 2: Conduct usability testing of the 3DMD AR application.
Specific Aim 3: Evaluate the success of 6 AR activities in meeting NGSS DCI learning objectives.
By following an internal process of iterative design, the research team of educators, AR developers, user designers, and
science education researchers, will develop, beta-test the activities, and launch the application. The team will then test
the usability of the application via moderated and unmoderated usability tests. Finally, 2 activities from each module will
be assessed to determine learning gains in high school biology classes.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10481406
- **Project number:** 2R44GM142331-02
- **Recipient organization:** 3D MOLECULAR DESIGNS
- **Principal Investigator:** Mark Andrew Hoelzer
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2022
- **Award amount:** $940,669
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2021-04-07 → 2024-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10481406

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10481406, Augmenting the Power of Physical Models with Interactive Digital Media (2R44GM142331-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10481406. Licensed CC0.

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