World of Wonder: Young Adolescent Inquiry Through Virtual Reality and Supported Research Opportunities

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Saturday 9:45 am - Gold 3
  In Roundtable Session: Innovating Middle Grades Curriculum and Pedagogy: Inquiry, Literacy, and STEM Integration

Abstract

Camp at College: World of Wonder is an inquiry‑based program for young adolescents that blends immersive storytelling, virtual reality (VR), and project‑based learning to empower youth as researchers and innovators. Hosted on a university campus, participants researched community challenges, developed prototypes, and engaged with a VR app prototype designed to support inquiry. Guided by human‑centered design and the 5E model, this project examines youth perspectives on curriculum design and their experiences using VR to imagine solutions that “unforget” community histories and envision better futures. Preliminary findings highlight increased student agency, meaningful mentor interactions, and the value of college‑based learning environments in fostering innovation, confidence, and community engagement among middle-level youth.

Authors

• Lindsay E. Persohn, University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee

• Lucy Monette, University of South Florida

• Leah Burger, University of South Florida

• Cheryl R. Ellerbrock, University of South Florida