Our project is designed for Grade 4-5 students (ages 9-11) in rural, low-socioeconomic status (SES) communities in Florida. At this age, students start grasping abstract concepts and connecting them to real-world issues, like the environment (Piaget, 1970). However, they often lack opportunities to explore innovative solutions to local environmental challenges, such as those seen at the Sweetwater Wetlands in Gainesville (House, 2024). To bridge this gap, our project uses 360/VR video to take students on virtual field trips, making these real-world environmental concepts more engaging and accessible. This interactive approach helps foster a deeper understanding of how sustainable practices can address the challenges their communities face.

REFERENCE

Piaget, J. (1970). Piaget's Theory. In P. H. Mussen (Ed.), Carmichael's manual of child psychology (pp. 703-732).

House, J. (2024, April 22). UF researchers develop a helpful conservation tool using data analytics. WUSF. https://www.wusf.org/environment/2024-04-22/uf-researchers-land-conservation-optimizer-tool-data-analytics