Students at UAPB's Child Development Center used Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headsets to explore a virtual garden environment.
Arkansas children explore STEM and healthy eating through hands‑on gardening and immersive VR at UAPB Child Development Center
By Will Hehemann, UAPB School of Agriculture Communications Specialist
PINE BLUFF, Ark. – March 19, 2026 . – Students at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) are exploring plants through a combination of hands-on investigation and immersive technology at the UAPB Child Development Center.
The learning initiative allows students to study plant structure and growth while participating in inquiry-based activities that include observing real plants with magnifying glasses and discussing topics such as healthy eating, living and nonliving things, food deserts and science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Dr. Karleah Harris, associate professor in the Department of Human Sciences in the School of Agriculture, Fisheries and Human Sciences, said the goal is to connect traditional observation with digital tools that deepen students’ understanding of how plants grow.
To enhance the experience, students used Meta Quest 3S virtual reality headsets to explore a virtual garden environment. The technology allowed them to examine plant anatomy in detail, observe accelerated plant growth and interact with augmented reality features layered onto real garden spaces.
“Students created posters showcasing their work and presented them to the class,” Dr. Harris said. “Teachers, staff members and undergraduate students guided them throughout the exploration to create a supportive learning environment and lead discussions about plants, gardens and food access.”
Latoya Conway, a teacher at the center, said the experience helped students see themselves as young scientists.
“Watching my students step into the role of young scientists was incredibly rewarding,” Conway said. “They used goggles and magnifying glasses to closely examine roots, stems and leaves. Their excitement was evident in every observation and question as they collaborated, made predictions and celebrated discoveries together.”
Undergraduate students also assisted with the project, helping guide activities and demonstrations.
Simon Chambo, an undergraduate student, said the project successfully connected technology with nature.
“I really enjoyed how we bridged the gap between technology and nature, helping children connect virtual lessons with real-world gardening,” Chambo said.
LaTyeshia Arnett-Rembert, director of the UAPB Child Development Center, said the virtual tools helped students better visualize plant environments.
“The goggles enhanced students’ ability to navigate and interact with the environment as if they were in a garden,” Arnett-Rembert said. “They helped support conversations about nature and plant growth while encouraging curiosity and predictions.”
Dr. Janette Wheat, professor in the Department of Human Sciences, said the initiative is part of a broader effort supported by the Healthy People Healthy Planet grant to promote agricultural awareness and healthy lifestyles.
“The youth, parents and teachers involved have benefited by preparing healthy foods and snacks grown from the gardens,” Dr. Wheat said. “It encourages healthy eating while introducing young learners to agriculture and addressing food access in communities facing food deserts.”
The project is supported by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant.
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