Page 163 - Resources and Support for the Online Educator

Open Collaboration and Exploration

Here are a few apps to try out with the MERGE Cube.

The Th!ngs app is the best MERGE Cube app to begin exploring the features
of the cube. The app provides an assortment of experiences—from holding a
fire in your hand to flying through the universe in a space ship. Using both
augmented and virtual reality, the cube brings hours of entertainment to a wide
range of ages and interests. The Th!ngs app is a great way to get a sample of the
MERGE Cube’s capabilities.
One of the apps that I found to be interesting for education is the building app
Dig! Similar to Minecraft but building on or into the cube instead of in a device
screen, the app allows the user to customize the cube by adding blocks. Some
of the resources include stone, sand, grass, brick, and lava. The difference
between the Dig It app and others is the ability to see the cube in augmented
reality with little interruption. The cube has great contrasting color to give a
seamless adventure. The toolbox gives the user a chance to select a variety of
resources while the build mode allows the you to add or take away blocks. The
world setting opens the door to saved world or worlds that other builders have
created and that are available to download. Beginning with another world can
get the user more familiar with the tools and options in the app before starting
their own build.
Another educational MERGE Cube app is Galactic Explorer, where students
can explore our solar system in the palms of their hands. The app has a small
cost to download in both the Google Play and App Store. While viewing the
planets in orbit around the sun, users can select each planet to see a list of
interesting facts about it. Viewing the planets from every angle may be exactly
what a student will need to gain understanding about the solar system.

A storytelling app called 57° North by Mighty Coconut provides the students a
chance to explore a story with multiple variations as you “choose your path.”
As the story comes alive inside of the cube, the plot will pause and offer options
to progress through the story. The students can choose their preferences by
rotating the cube in the direction of their choice. The Mighty Coconut company
has combined storytelling and AR in this delightful app, which is available for a
small cost.

The Dino Digger app takes the experience of augmented reality in the cube and
adds interaction. The students will become paleontologists and dig for fossils
using various tools. As the bones are discovered, the student can add them to
the museum to admire and learn about the dinosaur, all from inside the cube.

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