Atom and Molecule Simulator 3D (SAM 3D)

S.A.M. 3D focuses on science education and this is of vital importance since we live in a society in which science and technology occupy a fundamental place in the productive system and in daily life in general. It seems difficult to understand the modern world without understanding the role they play. The population needs a scientific and technological culture in order to approach and understand the complexity and global nature of contemporary reality, to acquire skills that will allow them to cope in everyday life and to relate to their environment, to the world of work, production and study.

It is necessary to consider the introduction of scientific and technological education as a key element of the general culture of future citizens, preparing them to understand the world in which they live and to make the necessary decisions. This conviction leads us to demand the incorporation of science education into compulsory education. But this demand must be linked to a new approach to science education that will ensure quality science education with equity.

The importance of science education in today's society is now fully recognized. This recognition has led to propose the introduction of science education at an earlier age. It is important that children and adolescents become aware of the richness of the implications and impact of science in everyday life. By building their scientific culture, these children and adolescents develop their individual and social personality.

According to the PISA Report (Study carried out by the OECD); the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules 3D (SAM-3D) is an educational invention with a huge export market. Its potential customers in the world reach the number of 24,206,784 public or private schools around the world that can buy it directly or through endowment processes sponsored by their support agencies such as governments, foundations or private companies.

Of course, not all countries invest equally in education in relation to their gross domestic product; however, if we were to add up only the schools in the 10 countries (Denmark, Iceland, South Korea, Norway, Israel, New Zealand, the United States, Belgium, Canada and the United Kingdom) that, according to the OECD (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development), support the development of education with the highest percentage of their GDP, we would be talking about a potential market of 6,056,182 schools.

Additionally, estimating as highly profitable markets private schools in European and Eastern European nations with solid educational systems that do not need funding from other organizations for their endowment, such as Germany, France, Italy, Romania, Switzerland, Sweden, Austria and Japan, would add up to 4,047,052 schools. Finally, it is ideal to consider schools in emerging economies such as Brazil, Hong Kong, China and the Russian Federation, which would total 4,272,523 schools.

For a total of 14,375,757 schools as potential customers. Assuming 50% of this market would be equivalent to considering approximately 7,187,800 schools as real customers for our product.

(S.A.M.3D) is a state-of-the-art educational tool, capable of providing an experience that makes the viewer live a virtual reality as if he were in the real world of atoms, simulating their three-dimensional shape and how they come together to form molecules.

The operation of this invention is based on a sculpture of 1.64 meters high covered with LED bulbs that light up according to the orders of a computer with the help of electronic circuits that serve as an interface. 

 The metal structure of S.A.M. 3D is covered with more than 700 Red (1) or Green (2) LED bulbs and a central core which is a Yellow bulb (3). 

https://youtu.be/WhTaprn6Dis

Hardware Schematic : S.A.M. 3D Atom and Molecule Simulator (1), controller board (2) and computer controlling the LED turn-on sequence (3). 

https://youtu.be/o3y68DEz6P8

The software of this invention consists of a kind of virtual periodic table; where you can click on buttons identified with internationally known chemical symbols of the atom or molecule to be simulated.

In addition, the S.A.M. 3D Atom and Molecule Simulator has an accessory called a mirror maze that can be used to simulate the formation of giant molecules of two to one hundred linked atoms.

The Mirror Room was designed with the intention of recreating an optical illusion with mirror images.

S.A.M. 3D must be turned on in a dark classroom with windows that block the passage of light. When this happens, three-dimensional shapes are seen floating in space thanks to the lighting of the LEDs. Usually when we present S.A.M. 3D in schools, congresses or universities for reasons of time and space; we set up an exhibition stand (itinerant classroom).

 The ingenious S.A.M. 3D represents, according to its application, a technologically different and improved innovation; since, in a magical and surprising way, after lighting up in the dark, atoms such as hydrogen (H), fluorine (F) or carbon (C) and molecules such as ammonia (NH3) and water (H2O) among others, begin to float in the air; in a very reliable way to the postulates of quantum mechanics, implying a version very close to reality. In this order of ideas S.A.M. 3D manages to represent the electronic configuration of the atoms that constitute the first two periods of the "Periodic Table", starting from Hydrogen (Z=1) to Neon (Z=10), as well as complex geometries such as tetrahedral, pyramidal, etc., which imply the formation of molecules.This educational atmosphere can considerably increase the level of attention, perception, reasoning ability, creativity and memory of students using a model that is essentially analogical and contributes to making science more relevant and interesting.

https://youtu.be/itvZRhXHbNE

The versatility of the S.A.M. 3D design allows the simulation of molecular phenomena according to the electron pair repulsion theory (an additional classical molecular model, but of great scientific utility).  By applying this classical theory, it is possible to simulate the geometry of more than 60 types of molecules with the same structure.

https://youtu.be/RD_NGLrqx0A

To learn more about how SAM 3D works visit the following link:

https://youtu.be/xtmQwfS-TiA
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S.A.M. 3D is designed to instruct an audience of all ages and with different degrees of professional training; from high school and high school students and even children from 5 to 9 years old can understand the most basic topics of atoms and matter; thanks to the educational support provided by an animation called "Atomic World", which is projected on the video Beam of the traveling classroom and consists of an animated doll that explains in a very simple, entertaining and fun way aspects such as: 1. -How nature is composed of atoms. 2, How is the shape of atoms according to each theoretical model (Neils Bohr 1913, Erwin Schrödinger 1926)? and 3. What is the main function of each atom in life and nature?

The following picture shows the simulation of the fluorine atom in S.A.M 3D and the image associated with the animation of the "Atomic" doll explaining the function of fluorine in nature...both events occur simultaneously.  

In today's clearly visually oriented era, science education frequently resorts to the use of images and prototypes to represent various aspects. All kinds of didactic materials, from conventional textbooks to the latest pedagogical technology, contain abundant images and representations. In the area of chemistry and physics teaching these representations are very diverse, ranging from drawings, diagrams, realistic photographs to graphs and computer programs. In the classroom, many chemical and physical phenomena are usually explained with a "simple model of rollers and spheres" (made of plastic or wood) to represent atoms and molecules, which implies a purely classical and inaccurate view of these components of nature.

The great solution that S.A.M. 3D brings to the process of science teaching is to overcome the great difficulties involved in the instruction of chemistry and physics at all levels of formal education.  When it comes to studying matter and its behavior, we often encounter methodological problems and conceptual difficulties that prevent its optimal understanding. The microscopic point of view of matter takes into account the atomic structure, i.e. its discontinuous, granular character, with gaps between and within atoms, formed by an enormous number of particles separated from each other and in continuous motion. The theory that best explains these phenomena is the Quantum Mechanics of the physicist Erwin Schrödinger 1926, which shows what can be calculated for an electron: its energy level and the probability of finding it within a particular region of space around the nucleus, known as an "orbital". 

S.A.M. 3D explains the most difficult concepts of quantum mechanics obtaining the most incredible and unsurpassable educational results; with the most expeditious and beautiful methodology that involves recreating with three-dimensional realism. This 3D experience helps students to learn, for example, the shape of the oxygen atom, to touch it and walk around it, appreciating its structure brought to a scale that compares to the size of a person. Similarly, thanks to the mirror labyrinth, it offers the opportunity to witness the formation of giant molecules in the form of methane gas, water or macromolecules.

S.A.M. 3D is the flagship of all our educational proposals. In the last 20 years, S.A.M. 3D has been present in more than 5000 spaces dedicated to science education (Schools, High Schools, Universities, Research Centers and Scientific and Educational Congresses).

Throughout the years our president, Technologist Olinto Rosales, thanks to the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules (S.A.M. 3D) has received several awards and recognitions, among which the following stand out:

2013 Silver Medal and Second Place of Honor" as second most outstanding work for the project: "3D Atom and Molecule Simulator"; in the Science, Technology and Innovation Award "Dr. Humberto Fernández-Morán" of the Municipality Libertador-Caracas.

2012 Winner of Gold Medal and first place of Honor, as the most outstanding work for the project: "Atomic World"; in the Science, Technology and Innovation Award "Dr. Humberto Fernández-Morán" of the Municipality Libertador-Caracas.

2008 Nominated for the International Award "Science in Action" in Valladolid-Spain, with "Didactic materials for the teaching of science". 

2007 Nominated for the FUNDACITE ARAGUA award "Honor to the technological merit of Aragua state, mention in education" by the permanent commission of education, culture, sports and youth of the Legislative Council of Aragua state.

2002 Special prize of the Merand Group Foundation for Technical Innovation, for the project "Virtual Simulator of Atoms", in the Sixth Eureka-Universia Innovators' Salon, held at the Universidad Tecnológica del Centro 2002.

For the transcendence of the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules (S.A.M. 3D) in the educational and research area, in 2014 the president of the company Technologist Olinto Rosales was accredited as Class A Innovator by the program of stimulus to research and innovation PEII-2014 of the Ministry of Popular Power for University Education, Science and Technology of Venezuela. 

For years, the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules (S.A.M. 3D) has been promoted, presented and divulged in multiple scientific and technological congresses in Venezuela and abroad

In the year 2002 during the participation in the Ist Iberoamerican Congress of Chemical Engineering students and related careers..., at the Universidad de los Andes, Centro Cultural "Tulio Febres Cordero", Mérida, Mérida State. PHD. H. Scott Fogler of the Department of Chemical Engineering of the University of Michigan-USA, had the opportunity to witness the operation of the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules (S.A.M. 3D); recognizing it as a "fantastic work" leaving his testimony in writing. PHD. H. Scott Fogler has more than 200 publications in the area of petroleum research and has received more than 4 million dollars from government agencies and private companies for research in his laboratory.

In the last 20 years there have been numerous press reports in newspapers and digital media of Venezuela and the world, making known the transcendental importance of the Simulator of Atoms and Molecules (S.A.M. 3D) in the areas of teaching and research. 

To learn more about our beautiful activities with our student and professional communities visit the following link:

https://youtu.be/r2DdrywqGeI

The educational and pedagogical inventiveness of our company's employees has allowed us to develop an instrument (S.A.M. 3D) validated by the Ministry of Popular Power for Education of Venezuela, the highest Authority in Educational Matters.

After being evaluated and validated by the Venezuelan Ministry of Education with the help of CENAMEC (The National Center for the Improvement of Science Education), an entity attached to the Ministry and authorized to issue its validation, it was determined that S.A.M. 3D provides a number of educational benefits, among which we can mention:

1. Increases the level of attention, perception, reasoning capacity, creativity and memory of the students.

2. Develops in a more complete and enjoyable way all the science subjects taught in the classrooms of schools, high schools and universities.

3. Increases the productivity and efficiency of the teaching process.

4. Increases effectiveness with respect to learning results.

5. Reduces the level of abstraction of science.

6. It represents a great solution for teaching quantum mechanics.

7. It makes learning more permanent.

8. It takes advantage of emotional states and the senses.

9. Maximizes the potential of the study and research environment.

10. It is a product made with export quality that would have as clients and beneficiaries the main educational centers and universities of the world.

11. It reduces the average time of permanence to finish a degree.

12. It allows students to pass more easily.

13. Provides the opportunity to acquire applicable knowledge, skills and abilities.

14. Uses methodologies that increase the active participation of the students.

15. Decreases the effort to prepare the subject.

16. Decreases the dropout rate.

17. It improves the intrinsic motivation of the student.

18. Its massive application in any educational system can contribute significantly to the formation of a greater number of future scientists in the world, thanks to the fact that it stimulates new generations to study and love science.

This certificate of validation was signed by:

1.- Dr. in education mention Educational Technology Professor Omaira Bolivar

2.- Degree in Biology as researcher Professor Carmen Álvarez.

3.- Degree in Mathematics as researcher Professor Mirian Meza.

4. Degree in Physics as Researcher Professor Héctor Velazco.

Representatives of the National Center for the Improvement of Science Education CENAMEC entity attached to the People's Ministry of Education of Venezuela and responsible for issuing this type of validations..

It is worth mentioning that the Validation certificate states: "We consider, when evaluating the proposal, that this prototype can considerably increase the level of attention, perception, reasoning capacity, creativity and memory of the students"....

This important document also states: "Moreover, this instrument, with a massive application in our educational system, can contribute significantly to the formation of a greater number of scientists in the country, since it represents an innovative proposal to encourage new generations to study and love science"....

In 2002, the invention patent was registered before the SAPI-Caracas-Venezuela, for the prototype of the "Simulator of Atoms and Molecules S.A.M. 3D".

It is important to point out that S.A.M. 3D is fully accepted as an educational tool by its users, which has been recorded in writing in the books of opinions and suggestions that our students and visitors sign after getting to know S.A.M. 3D, as you can read in the following translated opinions:

1." A genially didactic work"...Andreina Zambrano.

2." The images are spectacular. The Atomic images are fixed in my mind...Daniela.

1." I thought it was spectacular and I congratulate you because it is a huge effort ... I hope that in a short time it will be valued by everyone" Francis Segura..".

1." I think it is a tool that will be fundamental in the teaching of chemistry and in the development of future industrial applications" Argimiro Llamas Professor of Organic Chemistry at the University of Huelva Spain.

2. “Congratulations for your project; in which the structure of an atom is illustrated in a very representative way. It can be seen that the abstract of the small world (atomic) is not so much and can be understood in a simple way thanks to the application of technology" María Molina.

1." I congratulate you...I thank you on behalf of all the people who are going to learn with your great invention. I also thank you for having dedicated talent, effort and part of your life to science" Maryberth Perez.

1." Phenomenal, it's a very didactic idea" Laura Rosso.

2." Congratulations, it is a very original work, continue with ideas of this kind, because things like this the country needs to achieve technological development" Felix Rincones.

3. "It is spectacular I have never seen anything like it" Diera Bongurd.

In 2012 S.A.M. 3D received a certificate of recognition from the Spanish Inventors Club issued and signed by the Engineer Manuel Matellán, Director of the Spanish Inventors Club. This certificate recognizes S.A.M. 3D "as an educational tool that denotes a great capacity for inventiveness and contributes to improve the state of the art".

The Atoms and Molecules Simulator S.A.M. 3D is an instrument with Patent of Invention registration at the Autonomous Service of Intellectual Property of Venezuela (SAPI).

Our goal in the near future as a company; is to develop the commercial version of the Atoms and Molecules Simulator S.A.M. 3D; to be mass produced in a factory specialized in robotic and electronic products; in order to be sold and exported to all the countries of the world, where we have projected schools that belong to the real market that we have set as a goal. That is why we want to incorporate the Best University in the World, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; its great human talent and technological and research capacity to help accelerate the development of our commercial version of S.A.M. 3D.

We also hope that by participating in MIT Solve, this prestigious award will value the significant impact of our educational and technological initiative, visualizing the positive changes of our solution for people and their communities.

We are aware of the significant financial investments required for our goal of mass production and global commercialization of our product; therefore, we hope that MIT Solve will open doors for our solution to receive collaborations, partnerships and additional funding from various stakeholders such as investors, philanthropists and organizations (public and private).

The factory we plan to build will consist of an industrial infrastructure of 50,643 m² for the production of 100,437.00 simulators per year. This will be a factory of robotic technology and applied electronics. Initially the production of the simulators will be done under the scheme of an assembly plant, i.e., 50% of the parts will be purchased from suppliers abroad (electronic and robotic parts), and the remaining 50% will be produced in the country (plastic and metal parts) and then assembled in the headquarters building. The total investment required by our company is estimated at 66,817,297.00 USD $; to achieve this goal. In five years it is estimated that the sale of our product abroad will generate a turnover of around 323,451,000.00 USD $. With a production cost of 120.22 USD $ for each simulator manufactured and an expected profit of 523.88 USD $ for each product sold.