Reality Capture Education: Transforming Lives through Technology
Giving back through life-changing experiences in engineering programs, Game Creation, and utilizing Laser scanning and Reality capture technology in STEAM Education.

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Giving back through life-changing experiences in engineering programs, Game Creation, and utilizing Laser scanning and Reality capture technology in STEAM Education.
At Reality Capture Technology Center, we are dedicated to making a difference in our community through innovative engineering programs that integrate STEAM education. Join us as we work towards improving lives by promoting awareness of cutting-edge techniques like laser scanning and game creation, fostering positive change. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.
The Reality Capture Technology Center collaborates with local business leaders, nonprofit organizations, and public schools and universities to create unique learning opportunities in engineering programs and STEAM education for our student participants. These initiatives include hands-on experiences in game creation and laser scanning, utilizing cutting-edge reality capture technology.
Organizational Background The Reality Capture Technology Center (RCTC) has a long-standing commitment to STEAM education in the San Jose community. From 2012 to 2019, RCTC hosted its annual Reality Capture Summer Engineering Camp at History Park in San Jose, where middle school to young adult students gained hands-on experience with emerg
Organizational Background The Reality Capture Technology Center (RCTC) has a long-standing commitment to STEAM education in the San Jose community. From 2012 to 2019, RCTC hosted its annual Reality Capture Summer Engineering Camp at History Park in San Jose, where middle school to young adult students gained hands-on experience with emerging technologies, including engineering programs and laser scanning, all within a historic setting. Although RCTC officially became a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in 2019, its origins trace back to a volunteer-led initiative spearheaded by the current Executive Director, Brian Miller. The organization flourished through community partnerships, passionate mentorship, and student-centered programming focused on game creation. In early 2020, plans were underway to launch RCTC’s inaugural year-round afterschool program. However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting public health mandates led to the indefinite suspension of all in-person activities. Despite this hiatus, RCTC maintained its nonprofit status and continued to seek opportunities to serve students when the time was right. In January 2025, RCTC formally reactivated its programs in response to renewed community needs. Recognizing the widening gaps in STEM education and the necessity for innovative learning pathways, we re-established our operations to support students and families while strengthening the educational ecosystem in Silicon Valley and beyond.
The Reality Capture Technology Center introduces students to engineering programs through hands-on projects that benefit the community. Why We’re Teaching Students to Laser Scan Their Way to the Future By the Reality Capture Technology Center. California has a global reputation as a hub for innovation, home to world-changing companies and
The Reality Capture Technology Center introduces students to engineering programs through hands-on projects that benefit the community. Why We’re Teaching Students to Laser Scan Their Way to the Future By the Reality Capture Technology Center. California has a global reputation as a hub for innovation, home to world-changing companies and the 8th largest economy on the planet. But here's a truth we can’t afford to ignore: our education system is failing too many of our kids. California high schools rank 38th in math, and 37th overall. Three out of every ten high school students aren't meeting graduation standards. Those numbers aren’t just statistics—they reflect a daily reality for students, especially in underserved and minority communities. It's not just unfair. It's unsustainable. How can we expect to lead the world in innovation when we can’t provide basic education to the next generation? At the Reality Capture Technology Center, we believe communities don't have to wait for education reform to take effect. We can act now. Our solution? Teach students the tools of the future, today. We created a STEAM Education program where middle and high school students learn hands-on reality capture technology. That includes laser scanning, HD photography, photogrammetry, and drone imaging—the same tools used in architecture, 3D game creation, construction, urban planning, and even movie special effects. Students don’t just learn theory. They work in teams on real projects, capturing and modeling buildings and sites with millimeter accuracy. They leave our program not only inspired but equipped—with real-world skills they can take into college or directly into the workforce. Right now, we’re building a new student computer lab—where participants can learn to process reality capture data and master industry-standard software. It's a key step in expanding our impact and making sure this isn’t just a one-time experience, but a pipeline to careers in engineering, design, and beyond. Our advisory board is made up of educators, architects, parents, and professionals, all passionate about one thing: giving students the chance to thrive in a tech-driven world. We believe this isn’t just a nice idea—it’s a necessary one. And we’re inviting you to be part of it. Whether you're an educator, industry expert, funder, or community member, there’s room at the table. Together, we can stop waiting for change—and start building it. Want to get involved? Contact us to learn more about volunteering, donating, or partnering with the Reality Capture Technology Center.
Local history initiatives are often enhanced by new projects that incorporate engineering programs and STEAM education. Advocacy for these areas can include innovative approaches such as game creation and the application of laser scanning and reality capture technology.
Template
Historic Engineering & Reality Capture: Digital Preservation in
Historic Eng & Capture
G – College-Preparatory Elective
9–12
Full Year (2 semesters)
10
This interdisciplinary course integrates engineering design, digital media production, and historical inquiry. Students use advanced reality capture technologies such as terrestrial laser scanners, drones, and 3D modeling software to create millimeter-accurate digital blueprints of culturally significant structures. The year-long course culminates in the development of an interactive online exhibition that showcases student work and historical research. The course builds technical and academic literacy while fostering civic engagement and problem-solving.
Semester 1 Units:
· - Introduction to Engineering Safety and Tool Use
· - The Engineering Design Process
· - Historical and Archival Research
· - Site Mapping and Planning
· - Data Capture: Scanning and Photography
Semester 2 Units:
· - Data Processing and Point Cloud Registration
· - 3D Modeling and Multimedia Production
· - Exhibit Design and Public Communication
· - Final Submission and Presentation
· - Engineering journal documenting project milestones
· - Historical research paper
· - Public-facing digital exhibit with 3D model, video, and interpretive text
· - Final presentation and oral defense
Instruction includes hands-on labs, field work, team-based projects, expert guest lectures, and peer review. Lessons are student-centered and project-based, aligned to NGSS, CTE standards, and Common Core writing requirements.
· - Rubrics for journals, models, and exhibits
· - Oral presentation evaluations
· - Peer and self-assessments
· - Teacher observations and performance benchmarks
The course includes rigorous academic content through the integration of historical research and technical engineering practices. It emphasizes problem-solving, written and oral communication, and interdisciplinary thinking. The culminating exhibit allows students to apply their learning in a real-world context and demonstrate college
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