Light, Illusion & Innovation - The Science Behind 3D Experiences

Program Overview

Discover how immersive technology brings light and learning together.

In this advanced STEM experience, students go beyond the illusion to analyse the systems that power the Hologram Zoo. Through guided rotations, they explore how laser projection, polarisation, optics, and design thinking converge to create dynamic 3D environments.

Students apply physics and digital systems knowledge to real-world examples, investigating the science behind perception and immersive display design. The program encourages inquiry, creativity, and exploration of future-facing STEM careers.

Key Focus Areas:

  • Energy transfer and wave behaviour

  • Polarisation and light manipulation

  • Laser projection and optical systems

  • Immersive display design and visual layering

  • Technical observation and analysis

  • STEM career pathways in experience design and visual technologies

What to Expect

Students will rotate through:

  • 💡 Technology Behind the Illusion – Breakdown of the projection and polarisation systems

  • 🔍 Observation & Analysis – Study the visual and timing mechanics behind 3D illusion

  • 📸 Green Screen Production – Layering, depth, and foreground/background design

  • Ray diagrams and optical system illustrations

  • STEM presentations or infographic design

  • Creative concept design: an educational holographic display

Year Level
Year 9 / Year 10

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 Investigation

   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 Investigation

    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)

  • VCSSU133 – Energy transfer via wave/particle models

  • VCSSU134 – Conservation of energy

  • VCSSU135 – Light and sound wave modelling

  • VCSIS140 – Communicating scientific ideas effectively

  • VCDTCD050 – Investigating emerging technologies

  • VCDTDS046 – Designing innovative and sustainable solutions

Teaching Guide