Educational Physics Based VR Experience
Mentor 1
Emily Berens
Start Date
16-4-2021 12:00 AM
Description
The objective of this research was to create a Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Experience using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), intended to teach players physics and astronomy concepts through gameplay. The primary goal for this project was to implement functional VR controls and establish a working level prototype a player can interact within. The concept development process was started by creating an inspirational and realistic environment. UE4 was chosen as the platform because it allows for the creation of hyper-realistic environments utilizing real-time raytracing. The environmental design transports the viewer into the space, as if they are working as a researcher within an experimental facility in the future. A locomotion system was successfully developed in VR that can be utilized by players. There was an attempt to implement a VR Expansion Plugin to support more advanced VR functionality and physics. However, problems arose, and implementation was ultimately reverted, returning to base UE4 VR implementation. This process allowed for a more in-depth look into the setup for a VR player within Unreal. Through this research, a better understanding was gained for creating and setting up a VR project in UE4, but there is more work to be done for implementing player physics. Learning physics is a task most people would not deem enjoyable. Virtual Reality provides new opportunities for creating engaging user experiences and gives users the tools to have a fun physics learning experience. By immersing the player in a new, intriguing, digital world where they can tackle fun and educational puzzles, this project bridges the gap between learning and entertainment.
Educational Physics Based VR Experience
The objective of this research was to create a Virtual Reality (VR) Learning Experience using Unreal Engine 4 (UE4), intended to teach players physics and astronomy concepts through gameplay. The primary goal for this project was to implement functional VR controls and establish a working level prototype a player can interact within. The concept development process was started by creating an inspirational and realistic environment. UE4 was chosen as the platform because it allows for the creation of hyper-realistic environments utilizing real-time raytracing. The environmental design transports the viewer into the space, as if they are working as a researcher within an experimental facility in the future. A locomotion system was successfully developed in VR that can be utilized by players. There was an attempt to implement a VR Expansion Plugin to support more advanced VR functionality and physics. However, problems arose, and implementation was ultimately reverted, returning to base UE4 VR implementation. This process allowed for a more in-depth look into the setup for a VR player within Unreal. Through this research, a better understanding was gained for creating and setting up a VR project in UE4, but there is more work to be done for implementing player physics. Learning physics is a task most people would not deem enjoyable. Virtual Reality provides new opportunities for creating engaging user experiences and gives users the tools to have a fun physics learning experience. By immersing the player in a new, intriguing, digital world where they can tackle fun and educational puzzles, this project bridges the gap between learning and entertainment.
