Objective:
Educate users on environmental science principles, focusing on water ecosystems, their importance, and the impact of human activities on these natural resources.
Option 1: In-depth pollution investigation in New Delhi, India
Yamuna River Exploration
- Scenario: Begin at the banks of the Yamuna River, one of the most polluted rivers in the world, as it flows through New Delhi.
- Task: Users are tasked with collecting water samples and observing the direct discharges from nearby industrial sites and residential areas.
- Interactive Element: Control a virtual drone equipped with sensors to measure levels of toxic substances like heavy metals (lead, mercury) and organic pollutants. The drone flies over the river, providing a bird's-eye view of pollutants entering the water.
- Learning Outcome: Understand the scale of river pollution, identify major pollutants, and learn about their sources and the detrimental effects on aquatic life and human health.
Air Quality Assessment
- Scenario: Transition to monitoring air quality in various parts of New Delhi, known for having some of the worst air quality levels globally.
- Task: Use virtual air quality monitoring devices to measure pollutants like PM2.5, PM10, nitrogen dioxide, and sulfur dioxide across different city zones.
- Interactive Element: Deploy handheld devices and static monitoring stations across the city map in the VR environment. Receive real-time data visualizations of air quality indices.
- Learning Outcome: Highlight the causes of air pollution such as vehicle emissions, industrial activity, and crop burning in adjacent regions. Discuss the acute health risks associated with poor air quality.
Module 3: Public Health and Community Impact
- Scenario: Visit a local hospital to see the impact of pollution on public health.
- Task: Engage in virtual discussions with medical professionals and patients who are dealing with health issues related to pollution.
- Interactive Element: Review virtual medical records and data charts that correlate pollution spikes with hospital admissions for respiratory and cardiovascular conditions.