As educators, we are always searching for ways to deepen our students’ curiosity, connect learning to real-world experiences, and help them see themselves as active participants in building knowledge. This year, our Grade 2 class explored the PYP Unit of Inquiry “Where We Are in Place and Time”—and for the first time, we integrated CleverBooks’ Augmented Classroom apps (ARC Geography and ARC Quiz) to extend learning in truly transformative ways.
Why AR for This Unit?
The central idea of this unit is understanding how human journeys and discoveries shape our world. Traditionally, we rely on books, maps, and videos to illustrate the connections between people, places, and time. But for 7- and 8-year-olds, abstract concepts like exploration routes, geographical regions, or cultural perspectives can be difficult to grasp.
That’s where augmented reality (AR) shifted the learning experience from seeing on a page to interacting in 3D space. With the ARC Geography app, students could hold up a tablet and suddenly see continents, oceans, landmarks, and borders pop up in their physical classroom. The ARC Quiz app then challenged them to test their knowledge in AR.
How We Used Augmented Classroom
- Tuning In with Curiosity
We began by asking students: “How do people know where they are in the world?” Instead of only pointing to a world map, we let them explore Earth in 3D through ARC Geography app. Students walked around a virtual globe hovering over their desks, zooming in and out on continents and tracing journeys across oceans. Their natural wonder was immediately activated. - Exploring Migration and Discovery
In small groups, students investigated migration routes, ancient civilizations, and major landmarks. Using the AR features, they could rotate a globe to see how far people traveled, compare sizes of countries, and connect geographical features to human settlements. This gave context to questions like: Why did explorers choose certain routes? and How does geography shape culture? - Making Learning Interactive with Quizzes
The ARC Quiz app became a playful way to consolidate knowledge. Students worked in teams to answer questions about continents, oceans, capitals, and cultural landmarks. Because quizzes were in AR, they weren’t just recalling facts—they were engaging spatially, pointing to objects, and reinforcing memory through movement and collaboration.
Added Value for the PYP Inquiry
- Increased Engagement – The novelty and interactivity of AR kept motivation high. Students who were usually hesitant to speak up eagerly shared discoveries when holding the tablet.
- Conceptual Understanding – Seeing geography unfold in 3D made abstract ideas (scale, distance, routes) more concrete.
- Collaboration – AR apps naturally supported group work, as students gathered around devices, discussed, and problem-solved together.
Conclusion
Augmented reality did more than add a layer of excitement—it provided an authentic, inquiry-driven way for Grade 2 learners to connect to the central ideas of “Where We Are in Place and Time.” By blending technology with the IB PYP framework, we helped students not only learn about the world but also experience it in meaningful, memorable ways.