Author(s): Isabelle Smith, Alexandra Routsis, Laryssa Larson, Josie Wright, Kaden Jensen
Mentor(s): Guizella Rocabado, Matthew Prater
Institution SUU
Spatial 3D visualization skills are essential in many STEM disciplines, including anatomy, physics, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and engineering. These courses often assume that students possess the ability to mentally manipulate and visualize 3D objects, yet many students struggle with developing these critical skills. One promising solution to address this challenge is the use of virtual reality (VR) technology, which allows students to interact with 3D models in an immersive environment. In this project, we developed a VR application designed to aid students in understanding stereochemistry and chirality in organic chemistry, as well as symmetry and point groups in inorganic chemistry. To assess the effectiveness of this technology, we interviewed students enrolled in these courses to gather their perceptions of the VR app and its impact on their spatial visualization skills. Students reported that the ability to manipulate molecules in 3D space was both engaging and helpful for grasping complex concepts. Many expressed that the VR experience made learning more interactive and enjoyable, and several noted improvements in their understanding of stereochemical and symmetry-related topics. This presentation will explore the potential of VR technology to enhance spatial reasoning skills in STEM education and discuss the implications for integrating such tools into teaching practices to improve student learning outcomes.