Science | ISTE 2014 Coverage
zSpace STEM Lab Adds Real-Time Sharing, Physics Simulations, Virtual Circuitry Lab
zSpace has unveiled new software
applications for its zSpace STEM Lab, an interactive, virtual education platform
for K-12 students, at the ISTE
2014 conference in Atlanta, GA.
zSpace combines a specialized 24-inch high definition display with built-in
tracking sensors with a PC and software that enables students to study science,
technology, math and engineering topics, such as electricity and magnetism, and
to conduct virtual experiments, such as building a robot. Students wear
polarized passive 3D glasses and use a stylus that lets them interact with
virtual objects in 3D.
According to the company, the zSpace STEM Lab "consists of 12 STEM stations,
which include all of the necessary hardware, peripherals, education software and
training, including professional development for teachers." The software is
designed for multiple grade levels and subject areas. Teachers can personalize
zSpace software activities by providing questions, creating hints, setting
restrictions and customizing the appearance of components in the learning
application environment.
New zSpace STEM Lab software applications include:
- zView, which lets users share an immersive virtual experience with an
audience in real time;
- Newton's Park,
which lets students build simulations, change gravity, stop and reverse time
and gather data about the forces on the objects;
- Franklin's Lab,
which lets students build virtual circuits and electromagnets, troubleshoot
motors and build the electrical components for their own virtual robot; and
- zSpace Studio and
Gallery, which includes more than 1,000 curated models to help students
and teachers find content relevant to their subject area of interest.
Further information about the zSpace STEM Lab can be found on the
company's site.
About the Author
Leila Meyer is a technology writer based in British Columbia. She can be reached at leilameyer@gmail.com.