Augmented Reality (AR) is about bringing learning to life. As well as boosting engagement and getting children excited about what they’re learning, these resources provide innovative ways to support understanding in challenging concepts or areas. Watching 3D animations of the water cycle or digging up and examining archaeological artefacts are powerful pedagogical tools made possible by this technology.

AR trigger images can be found in the relevant Channels or by filtering your search results by Text

To use these AR resources, you will need to follow the steps below:

•        Read the AR teacher guidance and print it to preview the 3D AR models

•        Print the trigger image worksheets

•        Download the relevant AR app 

Print the AR teacher guide

This pack includes small versions of the trigger images so you can see exactly how the AR 3D models look before exploring them with your class. It also includes suggestions for how to use them to extend children’s learning. Look for the AR symbol in the printable resources section of the module to find the teacher guide and trigger image worksheets.

Print the trigger image worksheets

You can print off as many trigger image worksheets as you like for pupils to use in class. To display the 3D AR models associated with each image, view them through your device’s camera using the relevant app.

 Here are some tips and important information for printing these out:

• You don’t have to print a copy for every device. You may just print one copy for the middle of the table and children can use their tablets to view the same AR model from different angles.
• You can print them in black and white. This will not affect how the AR 3D model appears and it saves you having to print everything in colour! 
• You can enlarge or shrink the AR 3D model by enlarging or shrinking the trigger image. You could print a giant version to allow children to view an enlarged AR model using their tablet, for example.

Download and use the AR apps

All of our AR apps are free for both iOS and Android devices, including smartphones and tablets. Follow the instructions below to get an Active Lens app onto your device:

1. Open the App Store if you’re using an iOS device or the Google Play Store if you’re using an Android device.

Note: Some apps are only available on iOS, see table below 

2. Search for the ActiveLens app you want to use

3. When you have found the app, download it to your device and open it.

4. When the app is open and running, tap ‘Start’, then focus the camera on the trigger image. Smaller versions of the trigger images can also be found in the AR teacher guides for convenience.

5. This will cause an augmented reality 3D model, video or animation to appear above the trigger image, or an audio track to play.

6. Tap the ‘Instructions’ or ‘How to’ options from the app menu if you need help.   

Keywords glossary

AR (Augmented Reality) – a real-world environment that is augmented by superimposing computer- generated models, images or objects over the user’s view.

AR model – a 3D model or animation that pops up when a device with the AR app open is pointed at a trigger image, while leaving the user’s view of their surrounding environment otherwise unchanged.

Trigger image – a 2D image that can be printed out and, when viewed through the associated AR app, makes a 3D model or animation pop out from the page.