educhemvr

EduChem VR made a freemium app that was available on Google Play and Apple Itunes. They wanted to improve chemistry education and molecular biology learning.

 

The app was developed for smartphones and used to explain the shape and electrostatics of atoms and molecules in a virtual reality.

 

They tried to gamify chemistry education with user friendly smartphone apps for Google Cardboards and GearVR.

 

Virtual reality goggles can help students learn about atoms and bonds in a fun way.

Here is a example of VR technology viewing a molecule. The person above seems to be touching air, and below is the view he sees.

 

 

Closeup of a molecule in VR

 

 

 

Virtual reality (VR) goggles can be a fantastic tool to help students learn about atoms and bonds in a more immersive and interactive way. VR technology can bring abstract concepts to life, making learning more engaging and easier to understand. Here’s how it can be used specifically for understanding atoms and bonds:

1. Visualizing Atoms and Molecules: VR can enable students to explore and visualize the 3D structure of atoms and molecules, which is usually difficult with traditional 2D teaching materials. They can “see” electrons orbiting around the nucleus, or explore the 3D arrangement of atoms in a molecule, gaining a better understanding of its structure and properties.
2. Interactive Learning: With VR, students can virtually “manipulate” atoms and bonds, assemble and disassemble molecules, and observe the effects. This can provide them with a hands-on understanding of how chemical reactions occur, how molecular structures influence properties, and how different types of bonds (ionic, covalent, etc.) differ from each other.
3. Simulating Experiments: VR can simulate lab experiments that may not be feasible in a traditional school lab due to safety concerns, costs, or equipment limitations. For instance, students can “perform” experiments at the atomic level, like splitting an atom or creating a chemical reaction, and observe the results in real time.
4. Enhancing Engagement: The immersive nature of VR can increase students’ engagement and motivation. By turning learning into a fun, game-like experience, VR can make the subject more interesting for students, which can improve retention and comprehension.
5. Self-Paced Learning: With VR, students can learn at their own pace. They can pause, rewind, or replay certain sections as needed, ensuring they fully understand the material.