Aberdeen Science Centre Launches Immersive VR Journeys for All Ages
A new era of interactive science learning has begun at Aberdeen Science Centre with the launch of its first public virtual reality (VR) experience, opening to visitors on Sunday, June 1. The initiative marks a significant expansion of the centre’s offerings, introducing cutting-edge digital tools to deepen public engagement with science and technology.
The newly introduced VR experiences offer attendees the chance to journey through time and space. From walking among dinosaurs to exploring the inner workings of the human body, the immersive technology allows guests to interact with scientific concepts in novel and engaging ways. The debut VR program invites users to witness the age of dinosaurs firsthand, delve into the fossilisation process, and transition to the present day as amateur archaeologists uncover prehistoric relics.
This integration of VR technology enhances the centre’s mission of making science accessible and exciting for audiences of all ages. Over the month of June, VR sessions will be available during daily operations. Starting in August, the experiences will expand into educational programming for school visits and community outreach efforts throughout Northeast Scotland.
Through this initiative, visitors can virtually shrink to a microscopic scale and travel through the human body, stand atop a wind turbine, or even come face-to-face with a shark. These immersive encounters are designed to spark curiosity and introduce STEM topics in a way that is both entertaining and educational.
The introduction of VR technology at Aberdeen Science Centre has been made possible through collaboration with several key project supporters, including Mermaid, ETZ Ltd, Peterson Energy Logistics, and immersive technology experts AVC. Their contributions have enabled the creation and deployment of customised VR content that aligns with the centre’s interactive learning approach.
In addition to bringing these high-tech experiences to the facility, Aberdeen Science Centre has also announced plans to extend the program beyond its walls. Mobile VR workshops will begin later this summer, visiting schools and community venues to engage broader audiences and encourage participation in STEM-related activities.
To celebrate the launch, the centre is offering a special promotion. Visitors booking online between June 1 and June 8 can receive a 5% discount on general admission by using the promotional code ‘ROAR-VR.’ This offer is only valid for standard entry and cannot be combined with other discounts.
Corporate partners expressed enthusiasm for their roles in the project, highlighting the importance of technology in education and community engagement. Mermaid’s regional director emphasised the company’s commitment to innovation and its goal to inspire future generations of engineers and scientists. ETZ Ltd echoed similar sentiments, noting the importance of creative outreach methods in connecting youth with real-world career opportunities in STEM and energy sectors.
Representatives from Peterson Energy Logistics emphasised the role of businesses in supporting educational initiatives within their communities. By partnering on this project, they aim to enhance learning opportunities for families throughout Northeast Scotland and contribute to the region’s educational infrastructure.
AVC, the centre’s VR content partner, developed the bespoke digital experiences tailored for Aberdeen Science Centre. The company sees immersive learning as a transformative force in education, capable of fostering curiosity and driving innovation. Their participation underscores a shared goal of making science both fun and relevant to today’s learners.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s VR project reflects a growing trend in the use of digital technologies within informal learning environments. With this new venture, the centre is reinforcing its role as a dynamic, forward-thinking destination for science education in Scotland.
As the program evolves, the centre aims to expand its digital offerings even further, ensuring visitors of all ages continue to experience science in exciting, boundary-breaking ways. The public is encouraged to explore these new virtual landscapes and discover the wonders of science through a fresh, immersive lens.
