zSpace VR STEM Lab Immerses Middle School Students into Science

A middle school in East San Jose has been using a desktop virtual reality platform to explore science topics. Mathson Institute of Technology recently finished its first year of working with zSpace STEM lab, a virtual reality setup that immerses students into the topic they're studying.

The system includes student virtual reality stations and a teacher station, tablet-like devices that plug into regular computers via USB cables. Each station includes an interactive stylus and science, technology, engineering and math software.

Students wear 3D tracking glasses to tell the system where the users' eyes are in order to present virtual-holographic images that can then be "lifted" from the screen and manipulated with the stylus within a "tracking zone."
Students at Mathson Institute of Technology have been using zSpace to explore STEM concepts.

A zSpace activities center on the company's education Web site includes curricula for earth and space science, life science, physical science and social studies.

Educators at Mathson say they are particularly drawn to the multi-language aspects of the software. At the district where the school is located, Alum Rock Union Elementary, three-quarters of students speak a language other than English at home.

"Working with zSpace in the classroom makes it easier to address each student's needs," said Teacher Victor Guendulain Velasco in a prepared statement. "They can work at their own pace, in their own language, and understand and explain concepts in their own words."

In his classroom, students team up at the desktops to perform tasks, such as exploring a volcano or experimenting with zero gravity.

Mathson Principal Oscar Leon added that he believes zSpace could help his students become more interested in studying technology and science.

Other school systems that have tried out the zSpace system include the Los Altos School District and Woodside Elementary School District, also in California, as well as Brownsville Independent School District in Texas.

About the Author

Dian Schaffhauser is a former senior contributing editor for 1105 Media's education publications THE Journal, Campus Technology and Spaces4Learning.

Featured

  • abstract geometric pattern of glowing interconnected triangles, hexagons, and circles in blue, gold, and white, spread across a dark navy-to-black gradient background

    OpenAI Introduces 'Operator' AI for Performing Web Tasks

    OpenAI has announced "Operator," an AI agent designed to perform web-based tasks autonomously using its own browser. Currently available as a research preview for Pro users in the United States, the tool aims to automate everyday activities such as filling out forms, ordering groceries, and even creating memes.

  • digital illustration of Estonia with glowing neural network-like connections spreading across the map

    Estonia to Roll Out ChatGPT Edu for all Secondary Schools

    In a nationwide artificial intelligence program dubbed "AI Leap 2025," the country of Estonia plans to provide free access to leading AI applications for all secondary school students and teachers. The initiative will launch with a rollout of ChatGPT Edu to 20,000 high school students in grades 10-11 and their 3,000 teachers, beginning Sept. 1.

  • glowing digital brain made of blue circuitry hovers above multiple stylized clouds of interconnected network nodes against a dark, futuristic background

    Report: 85% of Organizations Are Leveraging AI

    Eighty-five percent of organizations today are utilizing some form of AI, according to the latest State of AI in the Cloud 2025 report from Wiz. While AI's role in innovation and disruption continues to expand, security vulnerabilities and governance challenges remain pressing concerns.

  • DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education Announces Accessibility Enhancements for DreamBox Math

    Discovery Education has updated DreamBox Math, an online math program for K–8 students to supplement core instruction, to improve accessibility for K–5 students, according to a news release. DreamBox Math provides personalized instruction by adapting to individual learners’ responses and providing an engaging, dynamic learning environment.