Improving High School Students' Knowledge of Heredity and Genetics Through a Virtual Reality–Enhanced Science Investigation

• In Event: Evaluation of STEM Technology Programs

Abstract

Verdant is a VR-powered classroom science investigation platform that enables students to replicate Gregor Mendel’s scientific process by designing and executing experiments in his pea garden. Researchers used a mixed methods study to explore the potential impact of Verdant on students’ attitudes towards science and knowledge of biology concepts. Two high school biology teachers and their 250 students used Verdant in their classrooms for three class periods. Data gathered from pre-post student content assessments, pre-post student surveys, observations, and interviews suggest that use of Verdant shows promise in increased students’ knowledge of heredity and genetics.

Authors

• Andrew Grillo-Hill, WestEd

• Michelle Tui, WestEd

• David Sarno

• Rosanne Luu, University of Wisconsin - Madison

• Charlie Mahoney, WestEd

• Karen Melchior, WestEd

• Marina Varfolomeeva, WestEd