The New York Hall of Science (NYSCI), in partnership with Verizon and Snap, aims to educate New Yorkers about the science behind common objects with the launch of “Science City Explorers,” an augmented reality lens available in the Snapchat mobile app.
Created by social tech agency GoSpooky, the Science City Explorers lens will let people using Snapchat point their device’s camera at select objects related to NYC’s water, electricity and transportation infrastructure to learn about the science associated with each item. For instance, they can point their camera at a stop sign to learn about “the reflective sheeting that increases visibility and luminosity at night.”
Scanning at least six objects with the lens will entitle people to a free ticket to the New York Hall of Science Museum.
“NYSCI is committed to creating new ways of delivering equitable learning opportunities around STEM. The ‘Science City Explorers’ experience does exactly that—breaking down walls and unlocking science exploration across the city,” said Margaret Honey, president and CEO of the New York Hall of Science.
The 5G version of the Science City Explorers lens is available exclusively to Verizon customers, while the 4G version of the lens is available to all Snapchat users, regardless of carrier.
“It’s inspiring to see the creativity around learning that NYSCI and Verizon are bringing to the Snapchat community with this new Lens,” said Sofia Andrianakou, director of carrier partnerships at Snap.
