Cambridge scientist launches open access VR classrooms that visualise key climate data

At Lucy Cavendish College, University of Cambridge, researchers are using emerging digital technology to enrich and accelerate learning. Their Immersive Technology Lab received the National Innovation Award for an innovative project titled, Making the Invisible Visible. The project uses virtual reality to better translate and visualise emissions data. On the 22^nd of April, Earth Day, the virtual classrooms will be available to all – for free.

Lab Director and Founder, Dr Chris Macdonald, explains, “The project was a response to the fact that it can be challenging to communicate climate change: the terminology can be confusing, the way in which we measure emissions can be non-intuitive, and there is a range of complicated psychological barriers. The danger is that climate change can appear distant, insurmountable, or worse still, non-existent. A key part of the challenge is that with the human eye, we cannot see the accumulation of greenhouse gases in our atmosphere. To address this, I am using emerging technology to better translate and visualise emissions data; I am making the invisible visible.”

“The virtual reality classrooms translate key data and concepts from something amorphous into something tangible and experiential. For the first time, students across the globe will be able to ‘climb’ emissions, ‘swim’ through water use data, ‘traverse’ land use metrics, and ‘hold’ greenhouse gases.”

Dr Macdonald took unprecedented steps to ensure that the resources are accessible to all. It is free to enter the platform and he has constructed and hosted the virtual classrooms in such a way that they can be accessed via multiple devices: smartphones, computers, and VR headsets.

An early version of the project was exhibited at the British Science Festival.

“When demoing early versions of the platform, it became clear that not only did the virtual classrooms help people to better understand data, but it also helped them to recall information which facilitated solution-focused discussions and planning. It was great to see it increase not only engagement and comprehension but also hope and action.”

The platform goes live on Earth Day. The initial three VR classrooms convey the environmental impact of food. Food was chosen as the first dataset, as it is widely unknown and misunderstood. 50% of the world’s habitable land is used for agriculture and 26% of greenhouse gas emissions come from food so it is an area with enormous impact potential. Additional classrooms will be added in the coming months which will include travel and energy data.

“Impact at speed and impact at scale are core principles of my work. The resources need to reveal the most significant evidence-based solutions, and they need to be instantly available – on all devices – for free.”

“It is exciting to see how the resources will be used. They can be accessed by anyone from anywhere. They could be used in classrooms across the world; individuals may wish to set up their own exhibits; and companies may wish to add them to their own educational platforms. There are no boundaries. I encourage people to use them however they best see fit.”

“Ultimately this project is part of my ongoing commitment to create freely accessible resources that benefit people and planet.”

Last month, on World Speech Day, the lab launched a virtual reality platform that provides free treatment for speech anxiety. On Earth Day, Making the Invisible Visible will go live. And there will be tools, platforms, and apps coming soon.

“The Immersive Technology Lab does not only explore the future of education and healthcare. It creates it.”

To access associated press videos and images, click here.
To access Making the Invisible Visible, click here.
To access Virtual Reality Public Speaking, click here.
To contact Dr Chris Macdonald, click here.