Physics with Virtual Reality

Course Description

This course will explore the fundamental concept of matter and its three primary states - solid, liquid, and gas. We will delve into the properties of motion of both solids and fluids, starting with projectile motion and laws of motion for solids, followed by basic thermophysical properties like density, viscosity, and pressure for fluids (time permitting). To augment the understanding of each concept, we will be experiencing molecular-level interactions and hands-on experiments through virtual reality. Activities will be held in VR to allow students to work both individually and cooperatively where they will be able to experience firsthand common fluid mechanics principles in an interactive manner. These VR experiences will be held such that students will collect data from replicated real word experiments and continue to derive knowledge and behaviors from this data in the classroom to reinforce the learning objectives. The proposed labs include an introduction to states of matter, the basics of fluid mechanics such as density, buoyancy, viscosity, surface tension, and finally applications-based labs including basic microgravity/space science where it pertains to fluids research. The major learning objectives of these VR lab experiences are to develop students’ understanding of core physics and fluid mechanics concepts through immersive, hands-on laboratory experiences in virtual reality. Students who go through these labs gain practical experience in experimental configuration, data collection, and analysis while working both individually and collaboratively in team-based environments for some multi-user labs. The use of VR allows students to safely explore and interact with experiments that would be difficult or impossible to conduct in a traditional classroom, such as large-scale fluid flow experiments, and completely custom parameterized objects which they can manipulate to observe real time physical changes. By directly manipulating experimental variables and observing physical effects in real time, students will strengthen their conceptual understanding, enhance problem-solving and critical-thinking skills, and build confidence in applying scientific methods to real-world systems.