For some, returning to classes may feel especially strange or stressful this fall. At PCWEA, all we are feeling is super excited to learn about innovative methods of studying our watershed from our new friends at Harrisburg University’s Environmental Science & Sustainability Program.
Paxton Creek is the official water resource of the program. Students follow the creek from its headwaters to its entrance into the Susquehanna, and examine how human use is affecting the creek system and what ways the creek may be further altered for better or worse. Groups conduct multiple studies on the creek, from water quality testing to land use and floodplain soil studies.
VR brings some Geek to the Creek!
Virtual Reality (VR) tours are a new resource that HU is onboarding since spring 2020, providing an immersive experience that can be embarked on anytime and anywhere. The use of Augmented Reality (AR) with clickable and interactive links on the screens can actually make learning easier than physically visiting creeks. “No bugs or leeches!” says Dr. Mike Meyer, assistant professor of Earth Systems Science, and the “man behind the curtain” for these innovative teaching methods.
Enjoy a sample tour of Paxton Creek, using your mouse to click and drag to advance the panoramic view or navigate to charts and maps and other fun—and informative—features. If you have a VR headset and would like to experience the tour that way, please visit this link.
