Immersive VR learning makes science exciting for middle schoolers

Students use VR to become field biologists

Middle school students across the Valley are stepping into the future of education by using virtual reality headsets to learn science in an innovative way. FOX 10's Kenzie Beach has this story.

Middle school students across the Valley are stepping into the future of education by using virtual reality headsets to learn science in an innovative way.

What we know:

Arizona’s first virtual reality mobile classroom is housed inside a 46-foot trailer. The program, a collaboration between Dreamscape Learn and Arizona State University, is providing students with a new universe of learning.

When students put on the headset, they are transformed into field biologists exploring an alien ecosystem.

"Amazement, excitement and a bit of confusion because this is a world I'm not used to, but I'm learning it, and it's just good emotion," one student said.

ASU President Michael Crow touted the program's impact, stating, "Every kid in this district will have access to the most advanced learning tool that humans have ever created. Just process that for a second."

‘Get them excited about wanting to be at school'

Seventh and eighth-grade science teacher Mackenzie Skarlupka said the immersive VR experience is changing how her students connect to science. She noted they are more invested, even worrying about an endangered alien character they are trying to save.

"They want her to survive, and they're trying to work their hardest to analyze all the graphs and data to figure out how can we save her," Skarlupka said, adding that students "want to be there, so they want to learn."

Students are locked into the 15-minute story, calibrating a new reality, solving problems and helping endangered species. The VR setting gives some students the feeling of one-on-one instruction.

The program has already resulted in higher attendance and an increase in completed homework and assignments, driven by students’ desire for their turn with the VR headset. Skarlupka became emotional discussing the program’s success.

"The fact that we can even give this to them from all the backgrounds that they have, actually get them excited about wanting to be at school and learn about science," she said.