Broadening Participation in Informal STEM Learning for Autistic Learners and Others through Virtual Reality (DRL-2005447) was a National Science Foundation AISL (Advancing Informal STEM Learning) project that brought together a team of specialists in STEM education, Virtual Reality (VR), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and educational neuroscience to develop Europa Prime, an inclusive and innovative STEM-learning game for teenagers and adults.
The goal of the project and game are to build awareness of and interest in STEM by leveraging the unique affordances of VR for accessible and immersive science learning, designing for and with neurodivergent learners, including learners with autism*, ADHD, and other learning differences. The game was co-designed with neurodivergent students from Landmark College, a college specifically for students who learn differently, and there were also neurodivergent professionals on the co-design team and other aspects of the project.
The project resulted in deliverables that include the game Europa Prime, mini experiences, and other assets, as well as research findings on VR design for participants with autism and other sensory, attention, and social issues.
* This page uses “learners with autism” and similar; other parts of the site and related materials may use other terminology. The field is divided on terminology. Many self-advocates with autism seem to prefer “learners with autism”, rather than “learners with ASD” and similar, as ASD—Autism Spectrum Disorders—implies disorder. We’ve also chosen “learners with autism” over “autistic learners”, here, though some others/advocates prefer the alternate.
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