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US Biology Students Use Virtual Reality Technology to Study Biomes

This morning, biology students in 11th grade used Virtual Reality technology in the Paulus Library, accessing Google Expeditions to see biomes, which they had been studying as part of a unit on ecology with Mr. Serota.
 
“The virtual world serves as an incredible tool to visualize the variety of ecosystems in the world,” said Upper School science faculty member Nachum Serota. “To explore the depth of the relationships between animals and their environment, students walk through a diverse array of ecosystems and habitats projected in their goggles.” 
 
After a general overview of the biomes across the planet, the students explored Borneo National Park. Located in Malaysia, the park boasts some of the most biologically significant ecosystems to study. Rather than using a textbook that tells students how unique these places are, students can actually see for themselves recognizing the beauty and complexity of the natural world. 
 
During the lesson, students explored the tundra of Northern Finland, the grasslands of Africa, rain-forests of the Amazon and much more. As they transitioned through the different ecosystems, Mr. Serota made note of how flora and fauna change and adapt to compete and thrive in these areas.
 
“Nothing beats that initial reaction when the students put on the goggles,” said Mr. Serota. “From there the responses change as they recognize how geography and landscapes foster an amazing variation of life across the planet. Amazing them in the beginning of the lesson helps push them to understand why it is so,” said Mr. Serota.  
 
Technology such as this is made possible in part by gifts to the Ranney Fund.
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Ranney School

235 Hope Road
Tinton Falls, NJ 07724
Tel. 732.542.4777

Our mission is to know and value every child, nurturing intellectual curiosity and confidence, and inspiring students to lead honorably, think creatively, and contribute meaningfully to society.