SpaceVR: Virtual Reality Space Science Outreach Experience

Abstract

Teaching people about Space concepts is challenging with traditional text book and teaching methods. It is hard to encourage prospective students with these traditional methods as they lack engagement and interactivity. We have developed SpaceVR which is a VR application that provides high school students with an engaging outreach experience about Space Science. The application uses real images of the sun from NASA's solar dynamics observatory satellite to create an interactive digital Sun for students to explore. The project investigates if adding gamification elements will increase student engagement with Space Science outreach efforts.