Research and Development of Immersive Computational Thinking Tools using Virtual Reality, Natural Hazards Data, and Scientific Visualization to Engage K-12 Students in Scientific Computing and Engineering Education

The NHERI DesignSafe-CI Research Experience for Teachers (RET) supplement recruits two high school teachers to work alongside faculty, researchers, and staff of the Texas Advanced Computing Center (TACC) at The University of Texas at Austin. Teachers participate in graduate-level research within the fields of computing and engineering with a particular emphasis on the intersection of natural hazards data, virtual reality, and scientific visualization. The research focus in 2019 was the use of NHERI data, A Frame and WebVR framework, and TACC visualization resources to create natural hazards design features in a virtual reality environment. Professional development and training from TACC supported research deliverables, including a lesson plan aligned with Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) state standards, and a live demo to support TACC's education and outreach activities for K-12 and the general public. This poster will present the research process, highlighting TACC resources used, challenges and successes, and dissemination efforts.