Greetings, space enthusiasts! We’re thrilled to take you on an extraordinary journey through our solar system. In partnership with Virginia Tech Libraries’ ARIES program and with the generous support of a National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, we’re on the verge of unveiling an interactive exhibit that promises to inspire and captivate visitors of all ages.
Introducing the ARIES Program
The Virginia Tech Libraries’ Applied Research in Immersive Experiences and Simulations (ARIES) program is at the forefront of revolutionizing STEM education. Their latest project harnesses the power of virtual reality to make STEM learning more engaging, inclusive, and unforgettable.
A Novel Approach to STEM Education
What sets this exhibit apart is the innovative use of handheld tablets. Unlike traditional virtual reality setups, these tablets encourage social interaction, creating a more immersive and inclusive learning experience. Equipped with these tablets, visitors can explore the solar system together, fostering collaboration and sparking curiosity.
Below is an Instagram reel shared by VTLibraries, featuring the 2023 Summer Camp students as they explore the immersive virtual solar system experience at the Science Museum of Western Virginia, crafted by ARIES.
Dispelling Common Space Myths
One of our primary objectives is to debunk prevalent space misconceptions. Many of us have misconceptions about the size of planets, their relative distances, and the workings of moon phases. ARIES’ immersive experience confronts these misconceptions head-on by presenting the solar system to scale. Planets become nearly invisible, and the sun, represented by just two pixels on the screen, is the sole object visible to the naked eye. This approach helps visitors grasp the vastness of space.
Building Your Own Planet
But the excitement doesn’t stop there. Visitors have the opportunity to build their planets, a feature that has quickly become a favorite among learners of all ages. You can customize attributes like planet type (rocky or gas giant), orbit velocity, and position in our solar system. It’s hands-on learning at its finest!
A Home Among the Stars
Every solar system needs a galaxy to call home, and ours will soon find its place here at the Science Museum of Western Virginia. We’re proud to announce that this captivating exhibit is set to open in the fall of 2024, right here at our museum. Prepare to be awed and inspired!
Summer Camp Adventures
The excitement doesn’t end there! Our 2023 Summer Camp students had the incredible privilege of experiencing this program firsthand. They became virtual astronauts, embarking on a journey through our solar system and gaining a deeper understanding of the cosmos.
Supported by NSF
None of this would have been possible without the generous support of a National Science Foundation grant. This grant has played a pivotal role in bringing this groundbreaking educational experience to life, enriching the STEM education landscape for learners of all ages.
At the Science Museum of Western Virginia, we’re not just expanding the horizons of STEM education; we’re making the universe more accessible and exciting for inquisitive minds. With the ARIES program’s unique approach, we’re nurturing the next generation of scientists, astronomers, and space explorers.
So, if you’re ready to embark on an out-of-this-world adventure, mark your calendars for the fall of 2024. That’s when our stellar addition to the museum will open its doors. Until then, dream big, reach for the stars, and stay tuned for more updates on this remarkable journey!
Explore Further with These STEM Resources
Explore the cutting-edge research and groundbreaking discoveries of the National Science Foundation | Innovation Anywhere, Opportunity Everywhere | NSF is an independent federal agency that supports science and engineering in all 50 states and U.S. territories.
