This learning unit explored viruses as biological systems by combining scientific knowledge with 3D modeling and Augmented Reality. Through the Explore, Execute, and Enhance phases, students developed an understanding of virus structure, function, and classification while actively applying this knowledge in hands-on digital activities. The use of AR tools supported visualization of microscopic structures, increased engagement, and helped connect bio-inspired principles to real-world scientific and technological challenges, encouraging further exploration of biology through STEM and digital innovation.

Phase Description
Explore

- Research and Discovery: Students explore what viruses are, how they differ from living cells, and why their structure is essential for function. They analyze virus parts (genome, capsid, envelope, surface proteins) and learn how viruses infect host cells.

- Content Development: Learners build foundational knowledge through texts, diagrams, and visual examples, developing an understanding of virus types and classification.

- Needs Analysis: Students identify challenges in understanding microscopic and abstract biological structures, recognizing the need for visual and interactive learning tools.
Execute


- Curriculum Implementation: Students apply biological knowledge by designing virus models using Tinkercad Codeblocks, translating virus structure into simplified 3D representations.

- Interactive Exercises: Learners create, modify, and compare virus models, focusing on bio-inspired principles such as structure–function relationships, symmetry, and efficiency. They prepare models for AR visualization.

- Feedback Collection: Students receive peer and teacher feedback through discussion, model presentation, and reflection on design choices and biological accuracy.
Enhance

- AR Integration: Students import their 3D virus models into Delightex and visualize them using Augmented Reality. AR makes microscopic virus structures visible at a human scale.

- Interactive Learning: Learners interact with AR models by rotating, zooming, labeling, and explaining virus parts, strengthening spatial understanding and conceptual clarity.

Gamified Content:

  • Points and Badges: Awarded for correctly modeled virus structures and clear explanations.
  • Leaderboards: Optional class-based rankings to encourage motivation.
  • Quests and Levels: Students progress from basic virus structures to more complex virus types.
  • Rewards for Exploration: Bonus tasks for discovering additional virus features or comparisons.
  • Collaborative Gamified Tasks: Group challenges to design and explain different virus types.

AR-Based Assessments:  Students demonstrate understanding by explaining virus structure and function using their AR models, identifying parts, and reflecting on how structure supports infection and survival.