The Lehigh Gap Story

The research and development (R&D) lab Lehigh RiVR Immersive Learning. RiVR is a cross-disciplinary group of students, professors, researchers, and directors of STEM education centers in the Lehigh Valley, PA. The team strives to provide game-based learning digital products, and immersive learning expertise to the Lehigh Valley and surrounding communities.

In partnership with the Lehigh Gap Nature Center, the Lehigh RiVR team is pleased to announce the launch of "The Lehigh Gap Story" and they are looking for your feedback!

Take a virtual hike with avatar bird Brownie to learn about the environmental changes that occurred in the Lehigh River Watershed in Pennsylvania during the past two centuries as a result of the zinc smelting plant operation at the Lehigh Gap. Explore a series of 360° photospheres that contain interactive features to learn how a green mountainous ridge was transformed into a barren “moonscape” and how the area has been revitalized today. 

There are two distinct experiences: Story Mode and Exploration Mode. 

In Story Mode, avatar bird Brownie guides you through the photospheres. In each photosphere, there is a task checklist of media artifacts that you must interact with before moving on to the next photosphere. 

In Exploration Mode, a trail map allows you to navigate through the trail pathways, and you can freely explore each photosphere and all the media assets. 

More details:

The team would be grateful if you complete the Story Mode and in the last photosphere, click on the green arrow to take our brief survey to help us learn about your experience. 

The Story Mode takes about 15 minutes to complete.

For best performance, we recommend using Mozilla Firefox web browser.

Please, disable any pop-up window blocker

ATTENTION Mac users:

- You need to use MOZILLA FIREFOX web browser to run a lag-free experience.