A PHYSICS-BASED VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENT SYSTEM TO STUDY INFLUENCE OF AGRICULTURAL ACTIVITY ON AIR QUALITY

This project aims to develop an innovative simulator that employs 'serious gaming' techniques to introduce STEM concepts associated with air quality, weather conditions and agricultural activity within the context of a real-time, virtual environment. The technology would deliver a combination of air pollutant emission and dispersion models, a robust physics-engine, high-resolution graphical representations, and interactive control, in conjunction with high-quality multimedia visualization techniques. It would serve as a standard yet modular base-platform that provides a controlled and repeatable test-bed for advanced simulations, for the real-time validation of environmental conservation concepts, in an enriched, virtual world. The research and development efforts would focus on:(i) Formulating physics-based air quality models, and NAAEE/NGSS-aligned lesson modules, as well as conducting participatory design sessions to inform responsive gaming framework and engagement mechanisms aimed at a variety of learner demographics. The milestone would be the design of a simulator architecture that adopts cognitive psychology concepts to deliver STEM content, to enhance learning and develop research skills in the discipline of environmental science and engineering.(ii) Developing assessments using item response theory, as well as devising dynamic delivery mechanisms to support adaptive learning. The milestone would be the implementation of an evaluation and dissemination framework that utilizes artificial intelligence / machine learning techniques for analyzing user involvement and performance in real-time, to dynamically offer personalized STEM content in the context of environmental science and engineering, and provide engaging, visual feedback.(iii) Implementing simulator front-end (real-time rendering, and graphic user interface design), and simulator back-end (content delivery network, and application programming interface), as well as testing the simulator on mobile and desktop devices (for both on-premise and cloud access). The milestone would be development of a modular software for STEM learning that is cost-effective and scalable.