EdCircuit Staff 
Augmented reality has the power to reach more students and help them engage more meaningfully with complex and abstract subject matter. Advanced visualization company Zoic Labs has launched a new collaborative multiplayer AR experience, Step Into Biology, that demonstrates biological functions through interactivity and user-activated animations while aiding in retaining biological vocabulary. It works as both an instructional and assessment tool for teachers.
Step Into Biology is now available in The App Store.
Click HERE to download the app in The App Store.
Zoic Labs operates as an incubator within Emmy-winning VFX company Zoic Studios, infusing its pedigree in visual storytelling to craft innovative solutions at the intersection of big data, narrative, design, and emerging technologies. As Zoic Studios continues to create VFX for top series like “For All Mankind, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and the “Yellowstone” prequel “1923,” Zoic Labs works across a wide range of industries, including the creation of advanced data solutions for education, bringing Hollywood-level visuals and polish to gamify a subject challenging to many.
But why Biology? Why now?
Biology is one of the hardest subject matters for students to grasp. Biological functions are abstract and difficult to demonstrate, making 3D representation a powerful tool in biology education. Additionally, biology has a much more unique vocabulary than other sciences and is hard to memorize with no roots in English or Spanish.
With a multitude of research pointing towards the positive impact of gamification in education, teaching biology through an interactive AR experience allows students of varying learning styles to grasp the subject matter through exploration instead of memorization. Step Into Biology will enable teachers to take students on a guided 3D tour of a wide variety of biological renderings; with experiential learning heralded as the future of education, this AR experience stands to be one of many from Zoic Labs in the space.
The team sees an opportunity for Step Into to expand to include additional AR field trips in more sciences such as Physics, Chemistry, Math, Space, and STEM.
Teacher Quotes:
Anneli Harvey- Director of Teaching and Learning and Professional Growth | International School of Los Angeles
“This groundbreaking technology will absolutely benefit K-12 schools as well as higher education and working scientific laboratories. Step Into Biology is poised and ready to foster the brilliant scientific minds of tomorrow.”
Laura Elwood | Science Teacher | Notre Dame Prep
“I loved this app when I saw you present it. I went back to school and had my students download the app and I got the best reactions. Oh Mrs Elwood this is awesome. That’s sick. Woooooaaaaaahhhhhhhh. And they started using vocabulary as review before their test.”
Tiffany Jones | AP Biology Teacher.
“This is a really cool. I don’t like VR headset apps, when you’re trying to figure out where you are. With Step into biology, you know where you are all the time. I can physically see the translation process- a super complex process that is very hard to understand. Absolutely love what you guys are doing.”
Cindy Roter- Science Educator
“As a sci-tech educational consultant I see the newest educational programs, but Step Into Biology is really unique. The interactivity and the cutting-edge AR truly bring the subject matter to life. The future of immersive education is definitely here and it’s very exciting.”
