Virtual Reality Apps for STEM

Virtual Reality Apps for STEM

Virtual Reality (VR) is incredibly versatile. In education, it has the power to take learning outside of the classroom, or even into areas of our world that cannot be seen with the naked eye. It is possible to undertake field trips without going anywhere. Perhaps a class would like the opportunity to explore the structure of matter? There are ways that information is able to be presented and received that were never possible before.

It will require planning and coordination and there may be some classroom management elements that need to be addressed during the initial stages of its use, but it has the potential to be another way to engage students and allow them to become interested in a subject. Effectively tying the information available to a lesson plan will require some work, but once done it will be an ongoing activity. Here are some virtual reality apps for STEM we think that you might like.

 

Google Expeditions


This is an app that allows you to take your students to places they have never been before. As a science teacher would you like to be able to show your students a coral reef with fish swimming in front of them, or perhaps a trip to a forest might clarify some of the discussion in class? Maybe even a trip into space might provide a different perspective? Are there elements of science and communications that a TV studio visit might help to clarify? This is a simple and effective way to provide an insight for students. Follow this up with class activities and discussions and you might find that learning has found an additional platform for passing on knowledge.

 

Discovery VR


As with Expeditions Discovery has the power to take you to many different places to explore the natural world. Discovery has been a successful provider of information on TV for many years and has moved effectively into the VR environment. It is possible to adventure into a range of environments and gain some fascinating insights into the natural world and animal behavior. Identifying the appropriate area to support classroom teaching may be time-consuming but when you have an alternative that will take your students directly into the natural environment it will bring a new perspective to them.

 

LifeLIQE


To simplify things LifeLIQE has been created to work as part of a digital STEM curriculum that covers from Kindergarten to year 12 students. This covers all of the schooling years. It has integrated interactive 3D models that provide explanations and clarification to students. Students can study each model by rotating and zooming in on sections they are interested in. It has been designed with education in mind and ensures that students will be provided with information in a suitable and supported manner. There are hundreds of lesson plans included to support teachers. It will reduce the work needed to plan for the choice of information to be provided and will be able to identify activities to help support the learning process.

 

Element 4D by DAQRI


Provides a structured way to learn about Chemistry. It is a simple and effective method that allows students to gain a much better understanding of chemical reactions in the world around them, a well as for undertaking activities in a virtual environment that are too dangerous to perform in a school laboratory. It is an effective supplement to laboratory work and provides a new way of viewing reactions that students themselves are able to control. It has also been developed to offer lesson plans for students at a range of levels in their school education from elementary level through to high school.

 

Virtual Reality Apps for STEM


There are other uses being made of VR for informing students. The Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory at Stanford developed a simulation where students are able to see an ocean of the future, where they observe the impact that raised carbon dioxide levels have on marine life and they are able to take samples from the seafloor.

By ensuring that VR becomes a part of education it will be possible to be ready for further developments in this area. Students will be able to adapt. It has already been demonstrated that many will find the new approach stimulating and engaging. Ensuring that lesson plans are developed to support teachers who are less familiar with this environment will enable those who may initially feel unready, to have the tools they need. Providing suitable support will enhance their understanding and help them to also develop as the technology develops. These are just a few virtual reality apps for STEM.

VR is a highly effective learning tool with great potential if used effectively as part of a broader learning curriculum.

 

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