Using augmented reality to inspire students in STEM through venom research
VenomSquad: Building skills and interest in STEM with collaborative augmented reality
This study is testing a fun augmented reality program called VenomSquad for 6th to 8th graders, where students work together as scientists to learn about how animal venom can help develop new pain treatments, all while encouraging more kids from diverse backgrounds to get excited about careers in health and medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Killer Snails LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Brooklyn, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10756575 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research aims to enhance student engagement and skills in STEM fields by creating an augmented reality (AR) learning experience called VenomSquad. Targeting 6th to 8th graders, the program allows students to collaborate as scientists exploring how venom from various creatures can lead to new pain therapies. The curriculum includes AR gameplay, a digital science journal, and an assessment dashboard for educators to track student collaboration and learning outcomes. By focusing on underrepresented groups in STEM, the project seeks to foster interest in health and medicine careers.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for participation are middle school students, especially those from BIPOC communities and individuals with disabilities.
Not a fit: Students outside the 6th to 8th grade range or those not interested in STEM fields may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly increase student interest and skills in STEM, particularly among underrepresented populations.
How similar studies have performed: Similar educational interventions using augmented reality have shown promise in enhancing student engagement and learning outcomes in STEM.
Where this research is happening
Brooklyn, United States
- Killer Snails LLC — Brooklyn, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hendrix, Jessica Ochoa — Killer Snails LLC
- Study coordinator: Hendrix, Jessica Ochoa
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.