ChemSim-VR

UPDATE: ChemSim-VR Prototype development by T.M.Wilcox at James Madison University ended June 30, 2017. See the slide deck for "A Virtual Reality Teaching and Learning Environment for Chemistry" and the associated paper presented at the 2018 AACE Conference in Amsterdam.

INTRODUCING CHEMSIM-VR

ChemSim-VR development began in August, 2016. The prototype is proof-of-concept for testing and demonstration purposes. The first use of ChemSim-VR in a classroom and VR lab occured mid-semester, Fall 2016, in the Department of Chemistry at James Madison University. ChemSim-VR works with or without a virtual reality headset. A compact demonstration runs in WebGL-enabled web browsers as the ChemSim-VR Web Demo.

CHEMSIM-VR IS REVOLUTIONARY

ChemSim-VR is a revolutionary environment for chemistry teaching and learning developed by an experienced computer game designer. An intuitive user interface combines common computer game and virtual reality controls. ChemSim-VR is a vast, 3D world-space explored with easy-to-learn driving and flying maneuvers. Students cruise a fantastic landscape crowded with interactive concept models and simulations scaled to monumental proportions.

CHEMSIM-VR IS EXHILARATING

ChemSim-VR inspires revelatory insights difficult or impossible to convey in any other medium. It's an exhilarating experience for students or anyone interested in chemistry. The first learning module demonstrates two fundamental concepts: Cubic and Hexagonal Close Packing. Students and teachers control animated simulations of close-packed spheres while observing from any angle or perspective, even from within the models themselves.

CHEMSIM-VR IS JUST BEGINNING

Successive ChemSim-VR prototypes accumulate multiple animated learning modules demonstrating essential concepts well suited to 3D and virtual reality. Expect considerable growth and improvement in the weeks and months ahead. Long-term objectives for ChemSim-VR include an Internet-enabled, multi-user learning environment with customization tools and examples for chemistry teachers.

NEW IN THIS RELEASE OF CHEMSIM-VR

The ChemSim-VR v.A01 prototype tests and validates basic user controls and common input devices for 3D world-space navigation, and for controlling animated simulations. The first learning module demonstrates Cubic Close Packing and Hexagonal Close Packing.

COMING UP IN THE NEXT RELEASE OF CHEMSIM-VR

In the next ChemSim-VR update expect an interactive learning module demonstrating Tetrahedral and Octahedral Holes explained by a narrator. Also expect a heads-up-display GUI for choosing program options, plus an Oculus Touch-enabled multi-tool for revealing and arranging concept models and their components. For reliable and secure installation, ChemSim-VR will soon be available for download from the Oculus Experience web store.