Virtual reality is a computer simulation of three-dimensional space that allows users to interact.  Virtual field trips, which allow classrooms to visit places around the world they would otherwise have little chance of visiting, are among the most popular with educators.  However, virtual field trips are just a few among many of the virtual reality sites.

       Why use it?  Besides the obvious motivation and interactive active participation in learning it provides, students are given the opportunity to examine features and processes more accurately than other means. The unique visual representations provide alternate methods of presenting material and give students the opportunity to experience new technologies through actual use.  

     Imagine a student being able to interact with simulations that allow them to manipulate a three-dimensional model of an atom of their choice from the Periodic Table, dissect a frog on-line, explore the virtual world of Egyptian pyramids or Greek theaters, or view bald eagles through real-time Web cams as they build their nests.  These are just a few examples of the virtual realities available on the Internet that can engage students in meaningful and relevant learning.

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Virtual Worlds and Field Trips

    Virtual worlds allow students the unique opportunity to maneuver, explore, and interact with people and objects in a 3-D cyber environment.  Typically, participants enter a user name and password which allows them to enter into a virtual world to explore.  If the world is graphics-based, it may be necessary to download and install special software or use a Java-enabled browser.  While exploring you can see who else is online, enter and leave rooms, talk and interact with others, and work collaboratively on projects.

   Virtual field trips allow your students to visit places around the world they otherwise would be unable to see.  Plan some virtual tours by visiting "kid-friendly" sites.  One idea is to have each child, throughout a week's time or in a lab situation, visit a different site.  Then allow students to report on the "virtual" trip to the rest of the class.  These web sites are also valuable virtual aides to the teaching of people and places from all over the world.
Some sites you may want to explore:

Surfing the Net With Kids Web Site has many interesting and "kid-friendly" sites to use for the virtual trips.
http://www.surfnetkids.com

A Site Listing Many Virtual Web Sites
http://www.field-guides.com

Virtual Tour of Museums
http://www.virtualfreesites.com/museums.html

Virtual Worlds and Field Trips
http://www.geog.le.ac.uk/cti/virt.html

Adobe Atmosphere Virtual Worlds
http://www.adobe.com/products/atmosphere/worlds/sampleworlds.html
Navigate through a gallery of virtual worlds in a 3-D environment.

WWW Virtual Tours
http://www.virtualfreesites.com/tours.html
Virtual Tours is a collection of tours for the World, Museums, Exhibits, Points of Special Interest and the US Government.   

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Web Cams

    Web cams are Internet cameras that provide synchronous (live) views of various places and events occurring around the world.  They may  include streaming video, wireless systems, and robotic cameras that pan, tilt, and zoom.  Through the use of web cams, students are able to view places and events occurring simultaneously anywhere in the world. 

    Choose a web site that has a camera setup for your viewing.  Leave it on during class time and hope that your class will get a view of a happening far away.  There are cameras placed in animal preserve, in zoos, on farms, big cities, and in many remote areas.  These are all places where children may never travel, but - oh what the wonderful things they can see!

Earth Watch
http://www.earthwatch.com/
Earth Watch's satellite imagery and weather information. Great educational weather site.

TerraServer
http://terraserver.microsoft.com/
This site allows you to do an advanced search for a specific area, such as an address, and you will receive an aerial view of that area from space.  

Earth Cam Web Sites:

http://www.earthcam.com

http://www.earthcamforkids.com

http://www.discovery.com/cams/cams.html

http://www.camcity.com

http://www.si.edu/organiza/museums/zoo/hililghts/webcams/webcams.htm

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Streaming Video

Streaming media provides the unique ability to cost-effectively broadcast live events, reaching a broad based user audience. Millions of people view live events broadcast via streaming media. Live streaming has been used to broadcast a range of events, from sporting events to fashion shows. Twenty-four hour live streaming is rapidly emerging as a popular genre of television shows, clearly depicting streaming media as a value-added service in the entertainment industry.

United Streaming
www.unitedstreaming.com

Nature Video Database
http://www.pbs.org/wnet/nature/database.html

The Free Site http://thefreesite.com/Free_Sounds/Streaming_resources/index.htmlFree Streaming Audio Resources

Streaming Video: MS Windows Media Player
http://www.redstone.army.mil/history/asf/asfp.html

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Virtual Manipulatives

Imagine being able to manipulate a three dimensional model of a molecule of your choice from the periodic table or dissect a virtual frog on-line.  Today, students are able to do just that!  Students often have difficulty visualizing something as abstract as a molecule or get queasy  thinking about cutting into a real frog.  Thanks to online virtual manipulatives, students have the ability to experience extreme close up examinations and interact with the virtual versions of such things. 

Froguts.com
http://www.froguts.com/
Allows students to dissect a frog on-line

Zoning in on Physics
http://it.gse.gmu.edu/projects/ziop/

Soda Constructor
http://www.sodaplay.com/constructor/index.htm?&getmodel=display+Rotonomy
This site allows the on-line construction of moving creatures while learning about mass, kinetic energy and friction.

National Library of Virtual Manipulatives for Interactive Mathematics
http://matti.usu.edu/nlvm/nav/vlibrary.html
Great interactive site for elementary students in mathematics.

Illuminations Interactive Math Tools
http://illuminations.nctm.org/mathlets/index.html

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