VR STEM Trail: A Math Trail-Based STEM Education Using Virtual Reality Technology for Learning Mathematical Modelling

In this study, we propose VR STEM trail, a model of math trails-based STEM education that we developed utilizing virtual reality (VR) technology. This concept is intended to be used to promote the implementation of STEM Education with math trails in a virtual environment. A virtual trail with several STEM-based mathematical modeling tasks was designed, and an empirical study involving teachers and students was carried out. It focuses on the instructors’ math trail task design, how students use these VR technologies when engaging with the produced virtual STEM trail, and how this model influences students’ mathematical modeling abilities. The results suggest that the proposed model is a good foundation for beginning student activities, fostering the development of mathematical modeling ability in a math trail-based STEM Education, and that virtual reality technology may help this process meaningfully. Students were engaged and enjoyed exploring the virtual trails. Following the mathematical modeling cycle, students learned how to utilize VR to explore virtual trails and complete STEM-based math trail problems. The mathematical modeling contained in the exercise was experienced by students. The study advises that the learning potential given by VR STEM Trails be examined further.