The Chemistry VR Experience, part of the VIRION VR project, redefines how students learn about the periodic table by immersing them in an interactive virtual environment. Set in a detailed coal mine, the experience features nine galleries, each representing a family of elements such as Noble Gases, Halogens, or Transition Metals. Color-coded visuals connect each gallery with its corresponding section on the periodic table, making it easier for students to grasp the relationships between the elements.
Students start their journey with a holographic periodic table as a guide. As they navigate the galleries, they discover element boxes scattered throughout, each labeled with key information like symbols, atomic numbers, and properties. Using a virtual torch, students inspect these boxes and interact with the information they provide. The challenge is to correctly place at least three elements from each gallery into their corresponding spots on the periodic table hologram.
To progress to the next gallery, students must complete these tasks, aided by hints and informational panels located at the gallery entrances. The process combines learning with exploration, creating an engaging, game-like environment that enhances students’ understanding of the periodic table and its structure.
Once students have explored all nine galleries and completed the periodic table challenge, they are awarded a certificate of accomplishment, recognizing their achievements.
The primary objectives of the application are:
- To allow students to interact with elements and their respective families, both in the periodic table and within dedicated galleries.
- To enable users to manipulate elements and access information about their properties, including atomic number, symbol, mass, and name, presented in a game-based format.
Structure and Functionality
The VR setting—a coal mine—is designed to reflect the natural occurrence of elements, making abstract chemistry concepts more tangible. Each gallery is visually themed according to its corresponding element family:
- Noble Gases
- Halogens
- Non-Metals
- Metalloids
- Other Metals
- Transition Metals
- Alkaline Earth Metals
- Alkali Metals
- Lanthanides and Actinides
Within each gallery, students encounter boxes representing individual elements. Each box displays the element’s symbol and main properties on its surface. To progress in the activity, students must identify and collect at least three elements per gallery and place them correctly within the periodic table. Completing this task is a prerequisite for advancing through the experience.
Interactive Features:
- Users can activate a torch function to highlight elements within the environment.
- A virtual instruction panel is available at the entrance of each gallery, providing key information about the respective family of elements.
- The left-hand controller can be used to display instructions, while the right-hand controller enables interaction with the environment.
Educational Outcomes:
Upon successfully completing the full experience and accurately classifying the required elements, students receive a certificate of achievement. The application is designed to reinforce the recognition and classification of chemical elements, deepen the understanding of periodic trends and element properties, and facilitate the application of theoretical knowledge within a structured, interactive format.
