02.05.12
Interactive table helps SA chemistry students
Interactive design specialist Formula D interactive, in partnership with chemical giant BASF and the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative, has developed the Virtual Chemistry Lab Table.
In March this year, the Nelson Mandela Bay Science and Technology Centre received the first Virtual Chemistry Lab Table in the country thanks to a unique partnership between BASF, the Uitenhage Despatch Development Initiative (UDDI) and Cape Town based design company Formula D interactive.
The VCLT is the first of its kind in South Africa, and is designed to bridge the gap between digital and physical experimentation for learners with limited or no access to real-world laboratory equipment.
The table is based upon object recognition technology. The interactive platform is a 50” HD rear projected display, which uses sophisticated pattern recognition technology to respond to physical cards placed on the surface. Each card represents a different element that can be combined with others in virtual chemical reactions.
Formula D director Michael Wolf commented: “The support of BASF has proven that our concept is on the right track to innovate in education in South Africa. Our classroom edition is a smaller, mobile and low cost alternative to the large table and works with standard PC or television screens.”