Virtual Reality Simulations for Magnetism and Solid-State Physics Education

Current education methods struggle to communicate the complex 3D arrangements in the field of solid-state physics and magnetism. A remedy for such a difficulty is to create an interactive workspace by creating a learning module within Virtual Reality (VR). VR can assist the community of educators in their delivery of course content with meaningful purpose. It is proposed that individuals who utilize such systems will have a superior experience [1] and greater retention than individuals who do not utilize the VR. Moreover, the game-like environment of VR allows for it to reach a broader audience, non-exclusive to college students to enhance STEM education. 

We have utilized VR simulations to develop crystal substructures such as face centered cubic and diamond. Individuals introduced to the experience engaged and retained information about the magnetic structures presented to them. In this presentation we will present the details of how VR simulations are used as a virtual lab [2] to build different types of crystals and associate the lattice structure with the physical properties such as magnetic and electronic properties.