New interactive sandbox at geopark's Rock Stop centre expected to give visitors hours of educational fun
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The Rock Stop - the visitor centre for the North West Highlands Geopark - has taken delivery of a new educational tool which is bound to provide hours of fun for visitors.
An “interactive sandbox” is the latest item at the centre, which is located in Unapool and currently closed for the winter.
The sandbox uses a computer projector and a motion-sensing input device mounted above a box of sand.
As users move the sand, the camera perceives the changes, and the projected colours and contour lines change accordingly.
The tool is used by educators to demonstrate a wide range of Earth science concepts interactively - they can show the varied landforms found on Earth’s surface and illustrate how they were created.
Geopark manager Dr Laura Hamlet said: “The interactive sandbox is an augmented reality tool where you can build your own landscapes in real-time.
“They are a fun and dynamic way to learn about our world - for all ages.
“It has been installed at the Rock Stop and we can’t wait for visitors to try it out next year.”
Dr Hamlet thanked the Anne Duchess of Westminster’s Fund and the Gordon and Ena Baxter Foundation for providing funding to enable the geopark to buy the sandbox.
