Justin's Eagle Scout Project
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Overview
Hello! My name is Justin, and I am an aspiring Eagle Scout out of Wisconsin. My project is to provide a fully equipped Virtual Reality Center at my local library.
The Center will primarily benefit two groups of people: youth and local senior citizens with early-onset Alzheimer's. Youth will be able to experiment with new, unprecedented technology that they may not otherwise have access to. I plan to include both educational software for interactive learning as well as a variety of games for recreational use. The senior citizens with early-onset Alzheimer's, collectively named the Memory Cafe, regularly attend programs created by the Library. They would be able to benefit from this Center through fun and social groupings that could delay the onset of full Alzheimer's. Again, it will allow them to see and do things they may not have been able to do otherwise.
What Is A Virtual Reality Center
Virtual Reality (VR) is a 3D environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real and physical way through the use of a Headset and Hand Sensors/Remotes.
My Center will be a roughly 10ft x 10ft area located in the Create Space of my local library, which houses all of their modern technology; a Virtual Reality Center will fit right in.
To show people where it is, I will also work with FastSigns to create a custom logo to display on the nearby window.
The main attraction of my Center is, of course, the Virtual Reality Headset for patrons to try. This will be powered by a computer that I fundraise for, and will be securely stored in a custom-built desk.
The area of the Create Space designated for my Virtual Reality Center will be clearly defined, and will be distinctly separated by portable partitions to keep both the user and bystanders safe and free of obstacles.
A functioning Virtual Reality space is something everyone should try, but not everyone will know how to use it. Accompanying the Center will be a pamphlet stand with User Guides to give new users an easy start to get going and previous users a few helpful reminders. Also, an Experience List will be provided to give users a comprehensive chart to explore, explaining: what each experience is, who it is recommended for, and the preferred controller to use.
Who Will Benefit
Local Library: Being the primary beneficiary of the project, I will give it cutting edge technology that can offer a truly unique experience to its patrons.
The Memory Cafe: Every few months, the Library brings together a group of elderly with early-onset Alzheimer’s for a social gathering. These interactions help keep them active and engaged. They have even been shown to delay the onset of full Alzheimer’s, as well as trigger a sense of familiarity by exploring locations meaningful to them. (e.g. VR and Dementia Video )The Library will be able to provide custom programs tailored to their desires and bring them together in new ways never before possible.
Young Adults / Teens: My Center can provide more ways to get involved in the newly growing S.T.E.M. program. It teaches people to become more involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which are vital to computers and what makes Virtual Reality operate.
Children: They will not only be able to play interactive games, but also experiment with new things only possible in Virtual Reality with hands-on experiences and the real feeling of presence in the virtual world.
Why Does It Help
Educational: Hands-on interaction can give those of all ages new ways to explore the world around them. Visit international landmarks, explore, first-hand, new places as far as space and as deep as the ocean, enhance problem solving skills with 3D puzzles, and more.
Easy Exposure: Virtual Reality is one of the few ways capable of showing people things they aren’t able to experience themselves. It isn’t quite mainstream yet, so my Center will give people a place to experiment now, and with something new, but not have to spend the money themselves.
Recreational: Of course, a Virtual Reality Headset comes with multitudes of games and other fun apps to try out. See fictional worlds appear right before your eyes, build your own contraptions and models, paint in a 3D environment, the opportunities are limitless.
How Can YOU Help
I can't make this awesome space a reality without your help. Your donation will be used to purchase materials or components of my Center, listed below. I would be extremely grateful if you would donate to help reduce the cost and contribute to this cause.
COMPONENTS OF MY CENTER:
-Virtual Reality Headset
-Capable Computer Set (PC, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard)
-Custom Locking Cabinet (Store Computer and Headset when not in use)
-Pamphlet Stand and User Guides (Provide User Guides and an Experience List for the patrons)
-Custom Portable Partitions (Keep the user and spectators safe from harm)
-Window Decal (Show where the Center is located)
Overview
Hello! My name is Justin, and I am an aspiring Eagle Scout out of Wisconsin. My project is to provide a fully equipped Virtual Reality Center at my local library.
The Center will primarily benefit two groups of people: youth and local senior citizens with early-onset Alzheimer's. Youth will be able to experiment with new, unprecedented technology that they may not otherwise have access to. I plan to include both educational software for interactive learning as well as a variety of games for recreational use. The senior citizens with early-onset Alzheimer's, collectively named the Memory Cafe, regularly attend programs created by the Library. They would be able to benefit from this Center through fun and social groupings that could delay the onset of full Alzheimer's. Again, it will allow them to see and do things they may not have been able to do otherwise.
What Is A Virtual Reality Center
Virtual Reality (VR) is a 3D environment that can be interacted with in a seemingly real and physical way through the use of a Headset and Hand Sensors/Remotes.
My Center will be a roughly 10ft x 10ft area located in the Create Space of my local library, which houses all of their modern technology; a Virtual Reality Center will fit right in.
To show people where it is, I will also work with FastSigns to create a custom logo to display on the nearby window.
The main attraction of my Center is, of course, the Virtual Reality Headset for patrons to try. This will be powered by a computer that I fundraise for, and will be securely stored in a custom-built desk.
The area of the Create Space designated for my Virtual Reality Center will be clearly defined, and will be distinctly separated by portable partitions to keep both the user and bystanders safe and free of obstacles.
A functioning Virtual Reality space is something everyone should try, but not everyone will know how to use it. Accompanying the Center will be a pamphlet stand with User Guides to give new users an easy start to get going and previous users a few helpful reminders. Also, an Experience List will be provided to give users a comprehensive chart to explore, explaining: what each experience is, who it is recommended for, and the preferred controller to use.
Who Will Benefit
Local Library: Being the primary beneficiary of the project, I will give it cutting edge technology that can offer a truly unique experience to its patrons.
The Memory Cafe: Every few months, the Library brings together a group of elderly with early-onset Alzheimer’s for a social gathering. These interactions help keep them active and engaged. They have even been shown to delay the onset of full Alzheimer’s, as well as trigger a sense of familiarity by exploring locations meaningful to them. (e.g. VR and Dementia Video )The Library will be able to provide custom programs tailored to their desires and bring them together in new ways never before possible.
Young Adults / Teens: My Center can provide more ways to get involved in the newly growing S.T.E.M. program. It teaches people to become more involved in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math which are vital to computers and what makes Virtual Reality operate.
Children: They will not only be able to play interactive games, but also experiment with new things only possible in Virtual Reality with hands-on experiences and the real feeling of presence in the virtual world.
Why Does It Help
Educational: Hands-on interaction can give those of all ages new ways to explore the world around them. Visit international landmarks, explore, first-hand, new places as far as space and as deep as the ocean, enhance problem solving skills with 3D puzzles, and more.
Easy Exposure: Virtual Reality is one of the few ways capable of showing people things they aren’t able to experience themselves. It isn’t quite mainstream yet, so my Center will give people a place to experiment now, and with something new, but not have to spend the money themselves.
Recreational: Of course, a Virtual Reality Headset comes with multitudes of games and other fun apps to try out. See fictional worlds appear right before your eyes, build your own contraptions and models, paint in a 3D environment, the opportunities are limitless.
How Can YOU Help
I can't make this awesome space a reality without your help. Your donation will be used to purchase materials or components of my Center, listed below. I would be extremely grateful if you would donate to help reduce the cost and contribute to this cause.
COMPONENTS OF MY CENTER:
-Virtual Reality Headset
-Capable Computer Set (PC, Monitor, Mouse, Keyboard)
-Custom Locking Cabinet (Store Computer and Headset when not in use)
-Pamphlet Stand and User Guides (Provide User Guides and an Experience List for the patrons)
-Custom Portable Partitions (Keep the user and spectators safe from harm)
-Window Decal (Show where the Center is located)
Give $50 to help get this fundraiser to its goal
Organizer
Randall Penkalski
Organizer
Franklin, WI
