Harpenden pupils are exploring the future of our planet through immersive virtual reality.
Year 4 pupils at Wood End School are among the first in the UK to try the Future Forests Toolkit, a new VR learning resource designed to bring environmental issues to life in the classroom.
Developed in partnership by Avantis Education, creator of the ClassVR platform, and the Rainforest Foundation UK, the toolkit uses immersive technology to help pupils understand the impact of human activity on the natural world.
Matt Withers, curriculum lead at Wood End School, said: „The students absolutely loved it – the buzz around the classroom was amazing, and it definitely brought the topic alive for them.
„They really enjoyed exploring two different futures, and the fact that the animals and humans moved meant it was really interactive and realistic.
„It was a great addition to our topic and something we would definitely include in the future.“
The Future Forests experience aligns with World Environment Day, offering pupils a timely opportunity to explore global challenges such as climate change and deforestation.
Through the ClassVR headsets, children are transported to the Amazon rainforest, where they witness the effects of deforestation and habitat destruction, as well as potential scenarios for sustainability and regeneration.
The toolkit encourages pupils to consider the long-term consequences of human actions and to imagine how ecosystems can be protected and restored.
Feedback from pupils has been positive, with one child saying: „I liked how you could choose a future and understand how important the rainforest is.“
Another pupil described the experience as „realistic,“ adding: „You could look at lots of features you would find in a real rainforest.“
Gillian Rhodes, chief marketing officer at Avantis Education, said: „With World Environment Day taking place this week, it’s a good time to reflect on the role education can play in raising awareness of environmental issues.
„Climate change is one of the pressing issues of our time, but the recent DfE report showed that only a third of students accurately defined climate change mitigation.
„While VR is not a panacea for climate action, it allows students to experience the impacts of climate change in an immersive way, helping them to develop a deeper understanding and sense of urgency to act.“
Quelle:
Foto: Harpenden pupils explore climate change through new VR rainforest toolkit (Image: Wood End)
https://www.hertsad.co.uk/news/25214681.harpenden-pupils-try-vr-learning-resource-future-forests/
