Purpose of the 360/VR Experience
The 360-degree immersive video is designed to raise awareness about environmental sustainability among Grade 4-5 students. Through a self-guided virtual tour of Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville, Florida, the video engages students in learning about ecosystems, water management, and biodiversity conservation. The immersive experience encourages students to become problem solvers by connecting real-world environmental challenges with STEM education.

Target Audience
The video is tailored for Grade 4-5 students (ages 9-11), with a focus on rural, low-socioeconomic status (SES) learners. This age group benefits from the experiential learning provided by the 360/VR environment, as it gives them access to complex ecosystems like Sweetwater Wetlands, which they might not experience otherwise.

Instructional Objectives

• Identify and describe five key features of wetland ecosystems with 80% accuracy.

• Explain the importance of wetland conservation and list three ways wetlands support biodiversity and human communities.

• Critically evaluate environmental challenges facing wetlands and relate them to ecological sustainability principles.

This VR project aims to bridge experiential learning gaps and foster STEM participation through an engaging, immersive approach.