Can You Create A VR Experience About One Of The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals?
Students will utilize Umety's UmakeVR platform to create a Virtual Reality (VR) experience that educates others about one of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This activity aims to inspire students to think creatively about how technology can be leveraged for social good, fostering a deeper understanding of global challenges and encouraging solutions through immersive storytelling and interactive learning.
Materials Needed:
- Computers or tablets with internet access and capability to run Umety's Umake platform
- Umety's UmakeVR platform
- VR headsets (optional, for testing the VR experience)
- Copies of the Sustainable Development Student Project Planning Guide.
- Research materials on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Preparation Steps:
- Introduction to SDGs
- Begin with a brief discussion on the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals. Highlight the importance of each goal and its impact on global sustainability and well-being.
- Familiarization with Umake
- Introduce students to Umety's Umake platform. Provide a quick tutorial or a demonstration video on how to use the tool to create VR experiences. Ensure students understand the basic features and functionalities.
- Group Formation
- Divide the class into small groups, each choosing one Sustainable Development Goal to focus on.
Activity Steps:
- Research and Brainstorm
- Each group conducts quick research on their chosen SDG. They should gather key facts, figures, and understand the goal's importance. Encourage them to brainstorm creative ways to convey these messages through a VR experience.
- Storyboarding:
- Students outline their VR experience on paper, detailing the journey they want their audience to take. This should include the scenes, messages, and interactions they plan to incorporate.
(Note that the Research, Brainstorming, and Storyboarding should be documented on the Sustainable Development Student Project Planning Guide.)
- Creating in Umety's UmakeVR platform
- Groups use Umety's UmakeVR platform to bring their storyboards to life. They should focus on building an engaging, informative, and interactive VR experience that teaches about their SDG.
- Testing and Feedback:
- If time and resources allow, groups can test their VR experiences using VR headsets or simply walk through the experience on their computers. Peers provide constructive feedback.
Wrap-Up:
Conclude the session with a brief reflection period. Ask groups to be sure they have completed the reflection questions located on the Sustainable Development Student Project Planning Guide. Then, have them share their experiences, challenges they faced, and what they learned about their SDG and using VR technology for education. Emphasize the importance of using technology for social good and how they can continue to explore these tools to make a difference.
Extension Ideas:
- Host a VR fair where students can showcase their projects to the school community.
- Integrate this challenge as part of a larger project on global citizenship or technology in society.
- Collaborate with other classes or schools to exchange VR experiences and learn about different SDGs.
This challenge not only educates students about the Sustainable Development Goals but also equips them with skills in technology, storytelling, and empathy. Through creating VR experiences, students are empowered to be advocates for change, using innovative tools to educate and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.