• First-of-its-kind “Science City Explorers” Snapchat Lens reveals science and technology behind NYC’s infrastructure, ranging from fire hydrants to stop signs

NEW YORK - The New York Hall of Science has teamed up with Verizon and Snap to launch “Science City Explorers,” a citywide augmented reality experience that allows people to learn the science in common public objects across New York City, turning the Big Apple into an interactive learning lab.

“Science City Explorers” launched today and is immediately available in the Snapchat app in select New York metro areas.

“NYSCI is committed to creating new ways of delivering equitable learning opportunities around STEM. The ‘Science City Explorers’ experience does exactly that - breaking down walls and unlocking science exploration across the city,” said Margaret Honey, President and CEO of the New York Hall of Science. “Not only will it encourage children to get outside and explore their neighbourhoods, but it will open their eyes to the city’s unseen world of science and engineering. Both Verizon and Snap are amazing partners and we are honoured to work with their talented teams to turn the entire city into a learning laboratory.”

Developed by Social Tech Agency GoSpooky, the 5G “Science City Explorers” Lens is available exclusively for Verizon customers with a 5G smartphone on a 5G Unlimited plan on Verizon's 5G Ultra Wideband network in the New York metro area. A 4G version of the Lens is also available for anyone on Snapchat, independent of carrier and coverage area.

“The massive bandwidth, low latency and fast speeds of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network takes learning to a whole new level allowing users to collect and learn in super high fidelity on the go,” said Srini Kalapala, Senior Vice President of Technology and Product Development at Verizon. “By combining the power of Verizon’s 5G Ultra Wideband network with Snap’s AR technology and NYSCI’s learning assets, you unlock unique, immersive experiences so children can interact and learn about science in new and engaging ways while they explore the city.”

“It’s inspiring to see the creativity around learning that NYSCI and Verizon are bringing to the Snapchat community with this new Lens,” said Sofia Andrianakou, Director of Carrier Partnerships at Snap. “At Snap, we believe in the potential that Augmented Reality has to enhance the real world around us, and this is a perfect example of how to do that via a unique Lens campaign. We can’t wait to see how NYC Snapchatters use the Lens to learn about their city.”