One of the challenges for students learning the intricacies and details of molecular chemistry is visualising the 3D nature of the molecular structures. The Molecular Chemistry VR project is a collaboration with the Chemistry academics and Science education developers to bring several lessons into a virtual 3D space where students can manipulate 3D models of molecules in a similar way to the physical kits but with more capability.
Project Details
The 3D structures of molecules have interesting and often subtle differences that can have dramatic effects on how molecules behave. Allowing students to rotate the structures in space, to compare similar molecules, to rotate parts of molecules around the bonds and similar exercises all aim to help new chemistry students understand the 3D nature of the molecules they are working with.
The VR experience is broken up into small lessons where new molecules and new challenges are spawned for the students to interact with using the VR controllers.
TECHNOLOGY & DEVELOPMENT
The active design and development of the project continues in collaboration with Science. The staff and work integrated learning student developers are using the Unity game engine to bring together all the elements and deliver the VR experience using our Meta Quest 3 headsets. The capturing and editing of the audio and video used in the experience also requires the Media Team's expertise
Credits
"The major benefit of the Molecular Chemistry VR app is that it will embed students in the 3D world and let them explore molecules up close. This is so much more experiential than just making models or looking at 2D images and trying to picture the 3D reality in their minds.
We’re hoping this technology will improve students’ spatial ability and help them build strong visualisation foundations for higher year chemistry units."
Dr Siobhán Wills, Senior Lecturer, School of Chemistry, Science
Academics and Education Design
Siobhán Wills (Senior Lecturer, School of Chemistry, Science)
Steven Parker (Manager of Education Technology, Science)
Design and Development
Xueqing Sherry Lu (Immersive Technology Specialist and Developer)
Work Integrated Learning Student Partners
Fangzhou Chen (Software Engineering Thesis Project, UNSW)
Shuangchao Wang (Master of Simulation and Immersive Technology Capstone, UNSW)
Jonathan Tea (Software Engineering Thesis Project, UNSW)
Alexander Wan (Software Engineering Thesis Project, UNSW)
Get Involved
There are internal Teams Channels, Miro Boards and working groups covering the development collaboration with Science academics and education development staff. To find out more, join the team, get a demo or have your class or promotion use-case included just get in touch.
- Email: [email protected]
There are internal Teams Channels, Miro Boards and working groups covering the development collaboration with Science academics and education development staff. To find out more, join the team, get a demo or have your class or promotion use-case included just get in touch.
- Email: [email protected]