The Biology VR Experience, part of the VIRION VR project, provides students with an innovative way to dive into the world of cellular biology. Set in a 3D virtual environment inspired by the Tree of Life —based on Norse mythology’s Yggdrasil—students navigate through a natural, immersive setting to learn about cell structures and their functions.
The journey begins as students explore the branches of the Tree of Life, where they encounter two small experimental labs: the Bacteria Lab and the Animal Cell Lab. In each lab, students are tasked with constructing a complete living cell by locating specific components scattered throughout the environment and assembling them into an empty cell structure.
In the Bacteria Lab, students create a prokaryotic cell by gathering and placing components like the cell membrane, cytoplasm, ribosomes, flagellum, pili, and mesosomes. As they find each item, interactive screens provide detailed information about its function, reinforcing their understanding. In the Animal Cell Lab, students move on to constructing a eukaryotic cell, which requires more complex elements, such as the nucleus with DNA, lysosomes, mitochondria, and the cytoskeleton. Once all the components are correctly placed, the cells “come to life,” offering a dynamic visualization of how the structures interact and function.
Through this immersive experience, students develop a deeper understanding of cellular structures and their functions, learn to identify the differences between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and build practical knowledge by actively assembling these vital biological systems.
The Primary Objectives of the Application
The key objectives of this application are:
- To enable students to interact with and assemble both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, identifying and placing their respective organelles within a virtual laboratory.
- To facilitate learning by allowing students to observe and manipulate individual cell components, reinforcing their understanding of cellular functions.
- To provide an engaging, exploratory learning experience where students actively participate in cell creation, rather than passively studying diagrams or models.
Structure and Functionality
The VR experience takes place in the Tree of Life, a vast environment where students can explore different pathways leading to two laboratories:
- The Bacteria Lab – Dedicated to prokaryotic cell structures.
- The Animal Cell Lab – Focused on eukaryotic cell components.
Upon arriving at each lab, students are tasked with constructing a complete living cell by locating and placing its organelles in the correct positions.
-The Bacteria Lab: Constructing a Prokaryotic Cell
In the Bacteria Lab, students must assemble a bacterial cell by collecting key components, including:
- Cell Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Flagellum
- Pilli
- Mesosomes
- Ribosomes
Each component is stored in jars or canisters spread throughout the lab. As students interact with these containers, an explanatory screen appears, providing detailed information on each organelle’s function and characteristics.
-The Animal Cell Lab: Constructing a Eukaryotic Cell
In the Animal Cell Lab, students must build a fully functional eukaryotic cell by assembling the following components:
- Cell Membrane
- Cytoplasm
- Nucleus with DNA
- Ribosomes
- Lysosomes
- Mitochondria
- Golgi Bodies
- Vacuoles
- Endoplasmic Reticulum
- Centriole
- Cell Cytoskeleton
Once all the required organelles have been correctly placed in the structure, the virtual cells “come to life”, signaling the successful completion of the challenge.
Interactive Features
- Exploratory Environment: Students navigate the Tree of Life, discovering hidden elements and engaging with biology in a naturalistic setting.
- Hands-on Assembly: The application allows users to physically collect, examine, and place organelles, reinforcing retention through active learning.
- Explanatory Screens: As students interact with cellular components, they receive detailed descriptions and explanations, helping them understand each organelle’s role in cellular function.
- Challenge-Based Progression: Students must correctly complete both cell-building tasks to advance and receive certification.
Educational Outcomes
After completing the assembly of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, students receive a certificate of accomplishment. This recognizes their ability to identify and understand key cell structures, distinguish between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, and apply their knowledge in a hands-on and interactive way.
