The Augmented Reality for Interpretive and Experiential Learning (ARIEL) project explores the use of augmented reality in informal science education in the context of a science museum exhibition. The project team has developed an open-source augmented reality (AR) authoring platform designed with the science centre exhibit designer in mind. The platform uses a suite of AR approaches to allow exhibit developers to quickly and inexpensively create augmented interactive experiences. By adding the ability to incorporate real-time modelling and scientific visualisation into the AR experience, the platform acts as a means to use AR as a tool to achieve science centres' educational missions. The project has developed and begun to test a variety of hands-on devices that mix text, images, and visualisations with the kinesthetic experience central to a hands-on approach. This paper will provide an overview of the ARIEL platform and describe a series of interactive device prototypes augmented by the technology along with the results of audience testing and learning research using the devices. ARIEL is a four-year project. This paper presents work to date which is the mid-way point of the project.