Students� attitudes on Project STEMinAR: Augmented reality in Physics

Project STEMinAR is an augmented reality (AR) interactive simulation for use in the Physics classroom.The simulations topics include force and motion, Newton's cannon, optics, lenses, thermodynamics, rotational motion, and electromagnetic induction.These simulations provide opportunities for the user to dynamically manipulate multiple variables to and see the impact in real time.In this exploratory study, we conducted focus group interviews of students who recently completed an introductory algebra-based Physics I course; the simulations were not part of their course.During the interviews, students were engaged in a lesson driven by one of the AR simulations.We then engaged them in a reflection of the experience.They discussed topics such as usability and perceived helpfulness had the simulations been part of the course instruction.Feedback overall was very positive, and students indicated that the additional representations provided in the simulations help them to "see" the concepts they were learning about in class.