Atomic Lens

Atomic Lens

Discover the world of chemistry around you!

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The Pitch

Function

Enhanced Learning

AI Use

References

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The Pitch

Everything we see, touch, and use is made of atoms, but we can’t see them! For students learning chemistry, this invisible world can feel abstract and disconnected from their everyday experiences.

The Pitch

Understanding how atomic structure shapes the properties of materials can be difficult for learners. When students connect what they learn about atoms and molecules to real-world objects, chemistry becomes more meaningful and memorable.

The Pitch

Atomic Lens is an app that lets students explore the hidden atomic world inside everyday objects. By scanning items like glass, plastic, leaves, or rocks, the app virtually zooms in to reveal their molecular and atomic structures, showing how tiny particles create the properties we observe in the real world.

So how does this app actually work??

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Function

Atomic Lens is similar to existing apps in how it operates. Click on the apps below to see some of these examples.

Function

Atomic Lens, similar to the apps previously mentioned, is an identification app. Instead of simply identifying what an object is, Atomic Lens will reveal the hidden atomic and molecular structures inside that object and explain how those structures give rise to its properties and behaviours. For example, let's imagine the user wanted to investigate the atomic structure of a windshield. Let's walk through what that would look like...

Function

Analysis of windshield

Step 1. The user will open the Atomic Lens app and access the camera feature.

Function

Analysis of windshield

Step 2. The user will take a picture of the windshield of a vehicle. The app will highlight the object that it thinks you intended to focus on to make sure.

Function

Analysis of windshield

Step 3. The app will then reveal a "zoom-in" view feature that shows the molecular structure of a windshield.

*Click on the magnifying glass to try it out!

Function

Analysis of windshield

Step 4. Additional information and features will be available for students to explore the chemistry of windshields in more detail.

Chemical composition

Properties

Interesting facts

Function

Artificial Intelligence

The AI in Atomic Lens helps give each user a more personal learning experience. It allows the user to choose how much detail or difficulty they want in the explanations. The app then provides examples or suggestions that match those choices, making the learning more customized to the user.

How does this offer enhanced learning?

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Enhanced Learning

Click below to see how Atomic Lens offers an enhanced learning experience for its users:

Real-world connections

Inquiry-driven

Personalized

Enhanced Learning

But what does the research say?

Connections

Motivation

Spatial understanding

Where does AI come into play?

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AI Use

Atomic Lens requires the use of artificial intelligence for multiple reasons. Many students find Chemistry to be complex, and need explanations that match their level of understanding, but they also need the app to accurately recognize the objects they scan. AI makes this possible by improving identification accuracy, organizing information in helpful ways, and providing personalized learning.

AI Use

Click on the icons below to find out more about Atomic Lens' use of AI

Object Recognition

Adjustable Explanations

Connecting Ideas

Learning Suggestions

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References

Amirbekova, E., Shertayeva, N., & Mironova, E. (2024). Teaching chemistry in the metaverse: The effectiveness of using virtual and augmented reality for visualization. Frontiers in Education (Lausanne), 8https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2023.1184768 Pashler, H., Bain, P., Bottge, B., Graesser, A., Koedinger, K., McDaniel, M., and Metcalfe, J. (2007)Organizing Instruction and Study to Improve Student Learning (NCER 2007-2004). Washington, DC: National Center for Education Research, Institute of Education Sciences, U.S. Department of Education. Retrieved from http://ncer.ed.gov. Pedaste, M., Mitt, G., & Jürivete, T. (2020). What is the effect of using mobile augmented reality in K12 inquiry-based learning? Education Sciences, 10(4), 94. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10040094 Ram, I., Harris, S., & Roll, I. (2024). Choice-based personalization in MOOCs: Impact on activity and perceived value. International Journal of Artificial Intelligence in Education, 34(2), 376-394. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40593-023-00334-5 Sharma, K., Nguyen, A., & Hong, Y. (2024). Self‐regulation and shared regulation in collaborative learning in adaptive digital learning environments: A systematic review of empirical studies. British Journal of Educational Technology, 55(4), 1398-1436. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.13459 Zhang, S., & Yao, Z. (2025). The challenge of the application of augmented reality in science education in china: A systematic review. Disciplinary and Interdisciplinary Science Education Research, 7(1), 4-13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s43031-025-00123-1

AI pays attention to the kinds of objects students scan and the topics they seem interested in. Based on this, it can suggest related materials, concepts, or questions to explore next. Studies on personalized learning tools show that recommendation systems can increase motivation and improve student engagement (Sharma et al., 2024).

Motivation

AR supports different phases of inquiry (especially “conceptualization” and “investigation”), allowing students to interact with virtual elements while investigating real phenomena (Pedaste, 2020). Mobile AR tools, in particular, used in inquiry-based learning often improves cognitive outcomes (conceptual understanding and knowledge) and in some cases motivation and positive emotions (Pedaste, 2020).

Interesting Facts!

- Windshield glass is mostly made of sand. Silicon dioxide (SiO₂), the main ingredient, comes from purified quartz sand.- Windshield glass isn’t a crystal. Its Si–O atoms form a random, amorphous network; more like a frozen liquid than a solid crystal.

CamFind is an app that identifies any object you photograph and gives quick information and search results about it.

AI in Atomic Lens supports different learning needs by allowing students to choose how much detail they want. Once the level is selected, the AI provides explanations that match it; whether the student needs a basic summary or a deeper look into the chemistry. Research on adaptive learning systems shows that adjustable levels of explanation can support stronger understanding and reduce cognitive overload (Ram et al., 2024).

Spatial Understanding

In chemistry education specifically, AR/VR tools have been shown to improve spatial understanding of molecular and atomic structures compared to traditional teaching. (Amirbekova et al. 2024)

Connections

By overlaying virtual models on real objects, AR tools supports situated learning. Students are able to explore scientific ideas in the exact context where they apply, which is shown to create connections and deepen understanding (Zhang & Yao, 2025).

Windshield

Windshields are made of laminated soda-lime glass, which is mostly silicon dioxide (SiO₂) along with small amounts of other metal oxides. The molecules in this glass are arranged in a random, amorphous pattern. This gives the glass its transparency and strength, while also helping it handle small amounts of stress without breaking in a sharp, crystalline way.

PlantSnap is an app that identifies plants from a photo and instantly provides species information.

Why do windshields use Si-O bonds?

Strength

Transparency

Stability

Google Lens is a tool that identifies objects through your camera and gives quick, useful information about what you’re looking at.

Chemical Composition

The chemical composition by mass for a typical windshield: Oxygen (O): ~45–50%Silicon (Si): ~20–25% Sodium (Na): ~10–12% Calcium (Ca): ~6–8% Magnesium (Mg): ~2–4% Other: 2-3%