Sandbox – Discovery Education’s acclaimed, free-to-use learning resource – is now available on the Google Play Store for Chromebook users. This innovative app enhances classroom learning by incorporating immersive technology and engaging content. Designed to complement the award-winning Discovery Education Experience, a vital tool for K-12 education, Sandbox provides an interactive platform for students and teachers alike.
Originally launched in 2022, Sandbox AR has achieved over 1.35 million downloads via the Apple App Store. With its expansion to the Google Play Store, Discovery Education is now making Sandbox accessible to the 50 million teachers and students who utilise Chromebooks daily.
By using Sandbox on Chromebooks, students can construct virtual worlds featuring unique elements from history, science, nature, and more. The app also enables students to showcase their learning in new ways, such as through photo capture and annotations on virtual text panels. Designed to foster immersive learning experiences, Sandbox features a mode that allows users to explore and develop content within their own virtual environments.
The app includes many pre-built sandboxes exploring diverse subjects, such as ancient Egypt, space exploration, Maya civilization, road construction, and more, with additional themed 3D models added regularly. In addition, subscribers to Discovery Education Experience or Discovery Education Espresso have access to additional, standards-aligned ready-to-use Sandbox lessons that enhance classroom instruction. Pre-built resources that show educators how to integrate this new technology into instruction are also available. To learn more about Discovery Education’s entire suite of immersive learning resources, visit the company’s immersive learning website here.
“Making lessons immersive and personally relevant for students supports engagement and learning outcomes. Sandbox is a powerful way to connect classroom teaching to the wider world, and we are excited to bring this powerful app to even more teachers and students through the Google Play Store,” said Phil Birchinall, Discovery Education’s Senior Director of Immersive Content. “Now, no matter what type of device they are on, educators can inspire student curiosity with this engaging digital tool.”
In 2024, Sandbox AR was named the Best Virtual or Augmented Reality App or Tool by The Tech Edvocate Awards. Sandbox AR has also been named the Best XR/VR/AI Product as part of the GESS Education Awards, and won for Hardware, AV, AR/AV, Robotics, and Digital Device category at the BETT Awards.
For more information about Discovery Education’s award-winning digital resources and professional learning solutions, visit www.discoveryeducation.com, and stay connected with Discovery Education on social media through X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.
