Mixing Molecules

Last update: January 23, 2010

Overview

Description

Mixing Molecules is a full-body immersive simulation demonstrating the collision of molecules at the nanoscale. The digital interface allows visitors to use their shadows to “push” animated molecules that are projected onto a screen in a darkened room. Visitors can manipulate the collsion of the molecules, speeding or slowing the formation of new compounds. The piece demonstrates the connection between the nanoscale - where individual molecules collide with each other - and the macroscale where many small random collisions appear as one larger, consistent motion.

Components

This exhibit does not contain any components.

Credits

Mine Control (Zack Booth Simpson)

Attributed to

Created by the New York Hall of Science and Zack Booth Simpson.

Checklist

Scientist reviewed check_reviewed

Peer reviewed check_reviewed

Visitor evaluation check_reviewed

Objectives

Big Idea

Molecules are always in motion. When they happen to collide, they can react to form bigger molecules.

Learning goals

No information available

Audience: 11 and up

Nano Topics: Fundamentals

Exhibit Dimentions: This simulation uses a projector, computer, camera, and proprietary software to capture and respond to the motion of visitors' shadows. It requires controlled lighting and is best when projected onto a screen or wall large enough to accomodate two people, approximately 10' wide by 8' tall. Equipment and software package is available from Mine-Control (Zack Booth Simpson), and the package can be used to run additional simulations. Set-up and maintenance requires someone with basic computer skills.

1 Resources

Diffusion final evaluation report

Document, added on 08-11-2008

DIffusionEvaluationFinal.pdf

1.71 MB

1 Evaluations

View the page for this evaluation report

Major Findings

•    Some (47%) visitors found the experience ‘Enjoyable’, while 34% thought it was ‘Somewhat Enjoyable’ and the remaining was spread between ‘Very Enjoyable’ and ‘Not Enjoyable’.
•    The enjoyable experience did not necessarily translate to an understanding of the concept or task. Forty-one percent thought the exhibit showed them something about how molecules collide, react, combine or come together, but they were less clear as to what the result of these collisions are. Of the total respondents, 17% specified that reacting molecules will form new or bigger molecules, and 10% interpreted explosions or color change as a result of molecule collision. (N = 53)
•    Those who were not confused or frustrated (23%) either read the sign immediately, or did not realize that they did not complete the task, and were therefore not frustrated by it.
•    The “What” button was confusing for a number of visitors (26%). This was a white oval on the left side of the screen that, when in contact with a shadow, flashed a message onto the screen. Approximately half of the groups used the “What button.” Those who commented on the button said that they did not know what to do with it, could not get it to stay on, or it got in the way while they were playing.
•    Other visitors had a strong grasp of what they were trying to accomplish, but had difficulty either getting the molecules to move and the reactions to take place (9%) or were too short to have their shadow reach the screen (9%).
•    While 41% of visitors did not want to learn more, 28% wanted to know more about the phenomenon

Changes that the NISE Net team made based on evaluation findings

In response to these evaluation results, the development team has made or are planning to make the following changes to Diffusion:
•    Improve operability and colors
•    Consider physical switch for animation
•    Change signage to model visitor behavior
•    Train Explainers more thoroughly

Document, added on 04-23-2009