Beyond the Horizon
Library · shared by Dabbled Public School
About this app
Students pilot a research vessel on a guided flight toward and into a supermassive black hole, running five hands-on experiments to learn real black-hole physics instead of answering quiz questions.
Who is Beyond the Horizon for?
Designed for grades 6-10, though the no-quiz, guided format makes it accessible to curious younger students exploring black holes and relativity for the first time.
What does Beyond the Horizon teach, and how?
Students steer the ship with WASD, arrow keys, or touch controls through five stages (First Sight, Distorted Sky, Close Orbit, Final Approach, Beyond the Horizon), at each one scanning targets, releasing probe pairs, comparing ship versus distant clocks, viewing labeled diagrams, and photographing checkpoints before transmitting their findings home. An optional challenge has them observe a distorted star from three positions, and a speculative, clearly labeled finale shows the interior after the one-way horizon crossing.
How is success measured in Beyond the Horizon?
Progress is tracked as discoveries transmitted before crossing the horizon, shown as a count out of five on the journal screen with captured views and known-versus-speculative labels; there is no score for speed, combat, or risk, and mistakes just prompt another try.
How long does Beyond the Horizon take, and what does it need?
A full expedition takes about 10-15 minutes and runs in a browser with keyboard or large touch controls; sound and background music are optional and off by default, reduced-motion and mute toggles are available, and progress saves locally with no account needed.