In 2025: Your Classroom should have an Augmented Reality Rock Collection
In 2025, an augmented reality rock collection won’t just be a futuristic idea—it’ll be a hands-on reality in classrooms around the world.
Providing students with rock and mineral collections when studying metamorphic, igneous and sedimentary rocks is a wonderful way to enhance the learning experience. However, it can be difficult to source enough specimens for every student to inspect and explore, and they can easily break or go missing. The solution? Supplement your students’ rock, mineral, and gemstone collections with augmented reality using the Merge Cube and the Merge Object Viewer app!
Bringing Rocks to Life with AR
The Merge Object Viewer app works with the Merge Cube to let students see digital 3D models of rock specimens from every angle. By simply pointing a smartphone, tablet, Chromebook, or compatible Windows device at the Merge Cube, students experience the texture, color variations, and shapes of rocks, minerals and even gemstones. To access the collections below, sign up for a Merge EDU Free Trial and download Merge Object Viewer!
- Rock Collection - Students will see the differences between sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks, and will be able to understand their composition and texture as they examine them from every angle.
- Mineral Collection - Discover various types of minerals like sulfates, oxides, halides, and silicates. Each mineral in this collection includes information about luster, hardness, streak, cleavage, and color.
- Gemstones Collection - View and inspect precious and non precious gems (including minerals, rocks, and other organic materials), in this collection of gemstones. Some are in their cut and polished form, while others are in their raw, uncut form.
Boosting Engagement and Curiosity
Classrooms that embrace AR with Merge EDU have reported more engagement, excitement and participation during science lessons. The tactile, visual, and interactive experience empowers students to ask questions, make observations, and connect with the content while collaborating with their peers.
Beyond simple observation, teachers can layer in inquiry-based projects:
- Rock Hunts: Assign students to “hunt” for unique minerals or rock features in the digital collection.
- Environment Simulations: Encourage learners to hypothesize about the environments that formed each rock type.
- Student Presentations: Have groups present a digital “show and tell,” where they highlight key geological properties.
And of course, Merge EDU provides Activity Plans for the Object Viewer app that can be incorporated into lessons as well!
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Merge is making it easier than ever to bring meaningful, hands-on, and interactive experiences to students everywhere. Are you ready to bring rocks, minerals, gemstones, and more into your classroom? With a Merge Cube and the Merge Object Viewer app, you’ll be amazed at how immersive, exciting, and accessible geology can be—and how quickly your students will be engaged in learning!
