Unlocking STEM possibilities with RoomPlan and the Room Twin App

Apple teachers—if you're working with an iPhone or iPad Pro equipped with LiDAR, you have access to powerful scanning technology that can elevate STEM education in exciting new ways.

RoomPlan is Apple’s advanced room scanning framework, and it powers the Room Twin app—a completely free, no-subscription, no-login app where all data remains on your device. Simply open the app, point your device at any room, and it instantly generates a precise 3D model of your environment. It’s intuitive, fast, and incredibly useful for real-world learning.

The best part? Room Twin requires no sign-ins or internet access, making it ideal for classroom use while supporting student privacy.

Here are 10 practical STEM ideas for integrating Room Twin into your secondary classroom:

1. Geometry in the Real World

Have students scan a classroom or home space and calculate area, volume, surface area, and perimeter of architectural features and furniture.

2. Scale Model Design

Students can use scanned rooms as the base for creating scaled-down models, linking digital spatial data to hands-on model-making.

3. Energy Efficiency Audits

Combine scanning with research on insulation, window placement, and materials to propose energy-saving upgrades to scanned spaces.

4. Virtual Interior Design Projects

Using 3D scans as a base, students redesign a space using design thinking principles, calculating costs and materials.

5. Home Safety Engineering

In health and tech studies, students can analyze scanned rooms for safety hazards and propose accessibility improvements.

6. Programming with 3D Data

Import scanned models into Unity or Reality Composer to experiment with coding interactive experiences or simulations.

7. Data Visualization and Analysis

Students can compare different room layouts, collect spatial data, and use spreadsheets or data tools to analyze results.

8. Forensic STEM Scenarios

Create problem-solving activities where students scan and analyze a "crime scene" layout to develop hypotheses based on spatial evidence.

9. Physics of Space

Explore acoustics, light reflection, or heat flow within a scanned room as part of a physics investigation.

10. Historical Architecture Projects

Encourage students to compare modern room scans with historical floor plans or architectural styles, supporting history and technology integration.

Room Twin + RoomPlan = Authentic, Hands-On STEM Learning

This combination of Apple’s LiDAR hardware and accessible apps creates authentic learning experiences that connect STEM concepts to the real world. It’s a perfect opportunity to empower students with spatial awareness, digital design, and critical thinking skills.

If you've already tried Room Twin in your classroom, share your experiences. If not—this is the perfect time to explore.

Let’s reimagine space together.

Paul