Εκτέλεση: Αξιοποίηση της Επαυξημένης Πραγματικότητας για την Εξερεύνηση του Σχεδιασμού με Έμπνευση από τη Φύση στην Εκπαίδευση STEM

In the evolving landscape of STEM education, the integration of biomimetics and the extraction of design principles from nature offer a particularly engaging pathway to connect students with real-world sustainability challenges. Augmented Reality (AR) emerges as a transformative tool in this context, bridging the gap between abstract biological concepts and tangible architectural applications for high school students aged 14 to 18.

Recent research highlights that AR technologies significantly enhance student engagement and deepen understanding. Through AR, students can interact with three-dimensional models of biological structures, such as the microstructure of lotus leaves or the ventilation system of termites, which are projected into their physical environment. This immersive experience helps students visualize, manipulate, and better comprehend complex STEM concepts (BestColleges, 2024).

Furthermore, AR supports the visualization of complex natural systems that would be difficult to render with traditional teaching methods. In biomimetic design education, AR allows students to dynamically explore how natural adaptations, such as the water collection mechanisms of desert beetles or the self-shading properties of cactus skin, can inspire architectural innovation. Studies have shown that AR in STEM environments can enhance critical thinking, creativity, and spatial perception, skills vital for future engineers and designers (Frontiers in Education, 2024).

Additionally, AR technologies offer flexibility and inclusion, accommodating different learning paces and styles. Students can participate individually or in groups, building knowledge according to their learning preferences. This flexibility contributes to greater accessibility and student satisfaction in STEM education environments.

Finally, the integration of AR in biomimetic education allows students to combine theoretical knowledge with authentic problem-solving experiences. Designing a biomimetic façade to reduce urban overheating or conceiving a shading system based on plant behavior offers students interdisciplinary skills at the intersection of biology, technology, and architecture. This holistic approach fosters innovation, sustainability thinking, and real-world readiness.