One of the challenges for students learning the intricacies and details of molecular chemistry is visualising the 3D nature of the molecular structures. The Molecular Chemistry VR project is a collaboration with the Chemistry academics and Science education developers to bring several lessons into a virtual 3D space where students can manipulate 3D models of molecules in a similar way to the physical kits but with more capability.
Project Details
The 3D structures of molecules have interesting and often subtle differences that can have dramatic effects on how molecules behave. Allowing students to rotate the structures in space, to compare similar molecules, to rotate parts of molecules around the bonds and similar exercises all aim to help new chemistry students understand the 3D nature of the molecules they are working with.
The VR experience is broken up into small lessons where new molecules and new challenges are spawned for the students to interact with using the VR controllers.
TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT
The active design and development of the project continues in collaboration with Science. The staff and work integrated learning student developers are using the Unity game engine to bring together all the elements and deliver the VR experience using our Meta Quest 3 headsets. The capturing and editing of the audio and video used in the experience also requires the Media Team's expertise
Get Involved
There are internal Teams Channels, Miro Boards and working groups covering the development collaboration with Science academics and education development staff. To find out more, join the team, get a demo or have your class or promotion use-case included just get in touch.
- Email: [email protected]