Integrating the Delightex AR quiz into the learning unit enhances the learning process by shifting students from passive content consumption to active and experiential learning. Instead of reading information and answering questions in a static format, students interact with virtual characters and environments that support deeper engagement with scientific concepts.

One key advantage of AR integration is improved visualisation of complex processes. Concepts such as ecosystem tipping points, cascading effects, and climate-driven changes are often difficult to understand through text alone. Presenting these ideas through ecosystem guardians and interactive AR elements provides a clearer and more memorable learning context, helping students connect abstract climate processes with concrete visual representations.

Student motivation and engagement are also significantly increased. The AR quiz is designed as a mission in which students progress step by step through different ecosystems. This structure creates a sense of curiosity and achievement, as learners unlock new challenges and move forward based on their responses. Compared to traditional quizzes, this interactive format reduces assessment anxiety and encourages active participation.

The AR activity also supports critical thinking and application of knowledge. Because all tasks are directly based on the scientific content explored in Section 1, students are required to recall, analyse, and apply information rather than rely on guessing. The reflection stage further strengthens learning by encouraging students to explain their reasoning, link quiz content to broader ecological concepts, and consider how similar challenges appear in real-world contexts.

In addition, the AR quiz promotes collaboration and inclusivity. Although students complete the mission individually, the shared reflection and discussion that follow provide opportunities for peer learning and comparison of problem-solving strategies. The use of visual and interactive elements supports different learning styles and makes scientific content more accessible to a wider range of learners.

Phase Description
Explore

- Research and Discovery: Students examine adapted IPCC materials and selected scientific articles to understand current evidence on climate change impacts on ecosystems. Key concepts include tipping points, ecosystem services, and resilience.

- Content Development: Learners collaboratively summarise scientific information using visual materials such as infographics, maps, and diagrams related to terrestrial, freshwater, and marine ecosystems.

- Needs Analysis: The teacher assesses prior knowledge through short questionnaires and guided discussion in order to adapt content to students’ level and interests.
Execute


- Curriculum Implementation: Lesson content is delivered through presentations, guided readings, and AR-based activities. Ecosystem models and real-world examples are used to visualise climate threats.

- Interactive Exercises: Students use AR applications (e.g. Seek by iNaturalist and Google Arts & Culture – Expeditions) to explore biodiversity, observe species, and simulate environmental changes.

- Feedback Collection: Learners complete reflection sheets and participate in group discussions and peer feedback. Teachers provide formative feedback throughout the process.
Enhance

- AR Integration: AR tools allow students to virtually explore vulnerable ecosystems, observe species in their habitats, and interact with simplified climate simulations.

- Interactive Learning: Students conduct outdoor or local investigations supported by AR and engage in collaborative digital storytelling, linking climate science to ecosystem responses.

Gamified Content: the AR quiz incorporates gamified elements that transform assessment into a narrative-driven learning experience rather than a traditional test. The design combines progression, roles, and symbolic recognition to sustain motivation.

A narrative storyline introduces students to a mission guided by ecosystem guardians, such as a whale representing marine ecosystems, a coral representing reefs, or a tree representing forests. Each guardian introduces its ecosystem and presents challenges related to real climate change threats, creating a sense of purpose and continuity.

The quiz follows a staged progression. Each correct response unlocks the next ecosystem, simulating movement through environments affected by climate change. This structure helps students understand ecosystem interconnections while maintaining engagement.

Instead of focusing only on points, students receive achievement titles that reflect their level of understanding and engagement. Titles such as Ecosystem Explorer, Resilience Builder, and Climate Guardian provide symbolic recognition and support learner identity and motivation.

A collaborative reflection session follows the individual mission. Students compare results, discuss challenging questions, and reflect on what each ecosystem guardian represented. This discussion transforms the gamified activity into a foundation for deeper learning and shared meaning-making.

Assessment within this unit is based on students’ ability to use AR tools to document environmental observations, complete biodiversity logs, and develop evidence-based proposals for enhancing ecosystem resilience. These digital outputs are combined with reflective writing and oral presentations to provide a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of learning outcomes.