Accessible Science and Technology: Augmented Reality Simulations Have Positive Impact on Visitor Experience at Biosphere 2

Improving science communication and STEM education outcomes is an important task, requiring ongoing effort and innovation. We tested the viability of augmented reality (AR) technology to improve the visitor experience at Biosphere 2, an iconic facility for Earth systems science and informal public STEM education. To make Biosphere 2 research more accessible to its 100,000 annual visitors, we developed AR simulations using data collected from current experiments at the University of Arizona facility, revising and improving the AR experiences via informal interactions with pilot visitor groups. Then, we assessed the user-friendliness of the AR simulations and their value as a tool to improve learning outcomes and foster positive attitudes towards science (which we combined into a 'visitor experience' metric) by creating and administering surveys to four target audiences: 1) prior to engagement with staff or AR, 2) following staff-guided tour experience, 3) after engagement with AR science simulations, and 4) following BOTH AR engagement and staff-guided experiences. Visitors gave the user-friendliness of the AR simulations a positive rating. Overall, visitors who interacted with the AR simulations had the highest combined information retention rates and percent positive attitude towards science, except for visitors over 65 years old. Augmented reality technology has the potential to be a valuable complement for engaging visitors with research projects, and virtual manipulation of key variables improves information retention and attitudes toward science, especially for younger audiences. Biosphere 2 will continue to refine and expand the engagement of visitors with AR-based science interactions.