Microsoft, VictoryVR Release Free STEM VR Curriculum
- By Dian Schaffhauser
- 02/05/19
Microsoft and VictoryVR have made a library of virtual-reality-based science content available free to schools that are using headsets running Microsoft Windows Mixed Reality.
The content — 25 volumes worth — was developed by VictoryVR, a company that specializes in creating curriculum for VR-based learning. The content includes lessons involving earth formation in Iceland, genetics on an Iowa dairy farm, engineering concepts for the Great Wall of China and multi-cellular organisms in the Singapore Gardens.
The free content includes:
- 24 virtual field trips;
- 48 virtual world learning lessons with comics, animations, movies and journeys;
- 24 lessons with Wendy Martin, a science teacher;
- 24 interactive virtual activities;
- 72 in-the-headset assessments;
- Teacher instruction guide sheets; and
- A virtual frog dissection lesson.
The lessons are mapped to and searchable by state science standards, including the Next Generation Science Standards, Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills and Florida's CPALMS.
Headsets running Windows Mixed Reality are available from HP, Acer, Asus, Dell, Lenovo and Samsung. They're priced from $199 to $449.
Individual VR content is available through the Microsoft Store.
About the Author
Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.