Educating the Next Generation of Scientists, Mathematicians and Innovators

K-12 STEAM education

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative (testing or implementing a new idea)

In the 2022-2023 school year, the last year for which public data is available, only approximately 30% of LAUSD students met or exceeded math learning goals. For science learning goals, that figure hovered around 22%. Of course, LA County is so large that some districts performed better than others, but even the best-performing districts did not top 50% in meeting or exceeding math or science learning goals. While there are many complicated reasons for these achievement gaps, one of them is understanding and mastering complex scientific and mathematics principles. High-quality immersive learning helps to address that. In April 2024, the peer-reviewed journal "Frontiers in Psychology" published a review of studies of VR in schools. Their results stated, "The use of VR in the classroom is expected to improve student engagement and learning outcomes, and is particularly effective for students with learning disabilities".

SCIVR proposes a groundbreaking pilot program to help address the achievement gaps in math and science within Los Angeles County middle and high schools. Leveraging the power of virtual reality, our program aims to transform traditional classrooms into dynamic, interactive learning environments where complex scientific and mathematical principles come to life.
Our initiative will deploy high-quality VR educational tools in select schools, prioritizing accessibility, engagement, and empowerment. By immersing students in captivating, pedagogically sound VR experiences, we aim to foster a deep, intuitive understanding of abstract concepts. This approach not only aligns with curriculum standards but also significantly enhances student engagement and learning outcomes.
In collaboration with teachers, administrators, and educational experts, SCIVR will launch VR headsets and proprietary STEM content to meet the diverse needs of today’s learners. We will provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, to ensure seamless integration of VR into classroom instruction. Our goal is to help bridge the gap between traditional teaching methods and the digital age, providing teachers with powerful tools to engage students in new, meaningful ways.
Because of the way the grant timing is structured, this pilot will span parts of two academic years, providing the opportunity for more students to benefit.

If SCIVR’s pilot program is successful, LA County will experience significant benefits. Middle- and high school students will see improved achievement in math and science through immersive VR tools that make abstract concepts tangible, potentially leading to higher test scores & better retention. Engagement and motivation will increase. Equitable access to high-quality STEM content will ensure that all students benefit, regardless of their background or learning style.
Piloting teachers will be more effective with new tools and training, enhancing their ability to meet diverse learning needs. Students will be better prepared for future STEM careers, fostering interests in fields involving math and science. The community will benefit from a more skilled workforce. This program will be a model for other school districts and its impacts can serve as a case study to learn best practices. The integration of VR will position Los Angeles County at the forefront of educational innovation.

This will be a new-to-LA County initiative.