NSF Award #2434255
Equipment: Enhancing Physics Education: Integrating Immersive Virtual Reality and Modern Physics Experiments into the Teaching-Learning Process
An NSF-supported initiative integrating immersive 3D physics simulations, collaborative experimentation, and modern laboratory instrumentation into undergraduate physics education.
PROYECT OVERVIEW
Enhancing Physics Education Through Immersive Technology
The project integrates immersive virtual reality simulations with hands-on modern physics experiments to create a hybrid laboratory environment for undergraduate physics education. Students can explore physical phenomena through interactive 3D environments, manipulate virtual and physical equipment, collect experimental data, and participate in individual or collaborative activities using Windows PCs and Meta Quest 3 headsets.
From Development to Implementation
The project has progressed from laboratory development and technology acquisition to active implementation, evaluation, and refinement. The six original simulators and two modern physics experiments have been introduced into undergraduate laboratory activities, evaluated through student participation, and improved based on user feedback. The current phase focuses on expanding the simulator suite, strengthening curricular integration, and supporting future adoption by other educational institutions.