Behind the Hologram – Exploring Light, Design & Illusion

Program Overview

Explore the science and design behind immersive experiences.
In this STEM-focused program, students go beyond animal content to uncover how light, lasers, motion graphics, and 3D illusions create the Hologram Zoo experience.

Students rotate through stations that investigate laser projection, polarised imagery, and the technical design that brings visual environments to life. This program links directly to the Victorian Science and Design & Technologies curriculum and encourages students to analyse, question, and imagine new applications of these tools.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Light behaviour (reflection, refraction, polarisation)

  • Perception and illusion in immersive environments

  • Technology breakdown of a multi-projector hologram system

  • Real-world STEM and media applications

What to Expect

Students will rotate through:

  • 💡 Technology Walkthrough – How the hologram illusion is created

  • 🎨 Design Challenge – Observe how design elements create realism

  • 📸 Green Screen Experience – Understand layering and visual composition

  • Design your own hologram room concept

  • Analyse projection and perception systems

  • Explore careers in tech, media, and interactive design

Year Level
Year 7 / Year 8

Duration
75–90 minutes

Content
One selected experience (Australia, Arctic, Asia, Africa, Dinosaurs, or Space)

Sample Itinerary

Morning

9:30 AM – Arrival and Introduction
9:45 AM – 11:15 AM – Rotating Group Activities:
   Students rotate through 3 sessions in smaller groups:

  • Guided Hologram Zoo Exploration  (35 minutes. Max groups of 14 students in 9 minute starting blocks)

  • Creative / Observation Activity (led by school staff)

  • Green Screen Photo Session

   Each group spends approximately 25–30 minutes in each activity. Groups rotate every 10 minutes in staggered pairs to maintain flow.

11:15 AM – Wrap-Up and Departure

 

Afternoon

12:30 PM – Arrival and Introduction
12:45 PM – 2:15 PM – Rotating Group Activities:
    Students rotate through 3 sessions in smaller groups:

  • Guided Hologram Zoo Exploration (35 minutes. Max groups of 14 students in 9 minute starting blocks)

  • Creative / Observation Activity (led by school staff)

  • Green Screen Photo Session

    Each group spends approximately 25–30 minutes in each activity. Groups rotate every 10 minutes in staggered pairs to maintain flow.

2:15 PM – Wrap-Up and Departure

Curriculum Links (Victorian Curriculum)

  • VCSSU074 – Living things have structural features and adaptations that help them to survive

  • VCSSU075 – Growth and survival are affected by environmental conditions

  • VCSIS082 – Compare data with predictions and use as evidence

  • VCSIS086 – Communicate ideas, explanations and processes

  • VCDSTS044 – Investigate how people address sustainability through design

  • VCPSCSE027 – Explore problem-solving in real-world situations

Teaching Guide