Improving Physics learning with virtual environments: an example on the phases of water

Usually students have misconceptions on the microscopic structure and behaviour of matter. In order to overcome these difficulties computer-based worlds seem useful to visualize physical and chemical processes allowing for a better conceptual understanding. Since more 3-D virtual environments need to be explored and evaluated in science education, we have built a 3-D virtual environment – “Virtual Water” – to support the learning of Physics and Chemistry at the final high school and first-year university levels. It is centered in the microscopic structure of water and explores concepts related to water phases and the transitions between them.Usually students have misconceptions on the microscopic structure and behaviour of matter. In order to overcome these difficulties computer-based worlds seem useful to visualize physical and chemical processes allowing for a better conceptual understanding. Since more 3-D virtual environments need to be explored and evaluated in science education, we have built a 3-D virtual environment – “Virtual Water” – to support the learning of Physics and Chemistry at the final high school and first-year university levels. It is centered in the microscopic structure of water and explores concepts related to water phases and the transitions between them