DLVL / VIRTUAL LABORATORIES / Dynamic Creations

Dynamic Creations

VR/AR experiential projects, prompt-driven lab generation, and 3D molecular modeling for immersive STEM learning.

VR/AR Experiential Projects

Projects support grades 3–12 and integrate science, engineering, environmental studies, and computational thinking.

[Additional content to be updated]

Build Your Own Virtual Field Trip (VR)

Grades 4–12

Science / Environmental Studies

Students design immersive 360-degree environments that represent scientific locations, ecosystems, or historical sites. Using platforms such as CoSpaces Edu, learners translate research into interactive spaces that others can explore.

Suggested tools: CoSpaces Edu

AR Science Models: Cells, Atoms, and Beyond (AR)

Grades 5–12

Biology / Chemistry

Students create interactive three-dimensional science models using AR tools. Models are placed into physical space using tablets or mobile devices, allowing classmates to explore complex scientific structures from multiple perspectives.

Suggested tools: Merge EDU

VR Engineering Design and Simulation Lab (VR)

Grades 6–12

Engineering

Students apply the engineering design process to create and test prototypes in virtual environments. Designs are iteratively improved through simulation and presented as final engineering solutions.

Suggested tools: ShapesXR / Tinkercad

Grade-Level Virtual Lab Examples

[Additional content to be updated]

Elementary School

Virtual Chemistry Discovery Lab

“Colorful Chemistry Lab: Mixing, Changing, and Discovering Matter”

Biomedical Lab Technician VR Experience

“Science Detectives: Exploring a Real Medical Lab”

Middle School

Virtual Chemistry Discovery Lab

“Virtual Chemistry Lab: Investigating Reactions and Matter”

Engineering Bridge Challenge

“Bridge Design Studio: Testing Forces and Structural Strength”

High School

Virtual Chemistry Discovery Lab

“Advanced Virtual Chemistry Lab: Reaction Analysis and Data Modeling”

Biomedical Lab Technician VR Experience

“Structural Engineering Simulation: Load Analysis and Optimization”

Creating 3D Molecular Models for Virtual Labs

Build or Load the Molecule

Use molecular modeling software to draw or import structures from SMILES, PDB, or PubChem databases.

Select Visualization Style

Choose ball-and-stick, space-filling (CPK), or ribbon structures for proteins.

Export as 3D File

Export to GLB/glTF, FBX, OBJ, or STL format. Convert using tools like Blender.

Optimize for Interactive Environments

Reduce polygon count, adjust colors and materials, center and scale appropriately.

Importing Models into Virtual Labs

After preparing the model, it can be added to a virtual lab environment.

Steps typically include:

  1. Opening a virtual lab scene
  2. Uploading the 3D asset through the platform’s asset library
  3. Placing and scaling the molecule in the environment
  4. Configuring interactions such as rotation, zooming, or annotations
  5. Testing performance on VR headsets, tablets, or laptops

Classroom Variations

Elementary & Middle School

Elementary and middle school students may explore simple molecules such as water or carbon dioxide.

High School & Beyond

High school students can create and analyze more complex structures, while undergraduate learners may complete the entire modeling pipeline and design their own interactive molecular investigations.

Virtual Lab Creation Skills & Project Ideas

[Additional content to be updated]

Design & Engineering Processes

Students learn how to identify real-world STEM problems, develop lab objectives, storyboard experiences, and design user interactions using the engineering design cycle.

3D Content Creation

Students work with 3D models and assets by importing, positioning, and modifying digital objects while learning fundamental concepts of geometry, meshes, textures, and lighting.

STEM Virtual Lab Topics

Virtual lab experiences include simulations in physics, chemistry, biology, and Earth science—exploring motion, chemical reactions, anatomy, ecosystems, or planetary motion.

Math & Data Visualization

Immersive environments allow students to visualize mathematical concepts such as geometric transformations, spatial measurements, and functions in 3D space.

AR-Specific Activities

Augmented reality overlays digital models onto lab equipment or classroom spaces, labels experimental setups, creates interactive instructions, and visualizes invisible phenomena.