Abstract - Virtual reality adds a new dimension - immersion - to graphics display. Moreover, the characteristics of this new technology allow for a greater interactivity with the user. The Virtual Water project is the first work in virtual reality applied to the learning and teaching of Physics and Chemistry done at the Physics Department of the University of Coimbra. The project involves aspects as atomic and molecular orbits, electronic densities, bonds, molecular dynamics, phase transitions, etc. It is a multidisciplinary work involving areas as computational simulation of physical and chemical systems, computer graphics and science education. 1. INTRODUCTION The recourse to graphics, in particular to three- dimensional ones, for visualizing and interpreting information has been increasing in the research and teaching of sciences. In particular, that recourse is needed in domains where the interpretation of complex information is more demanding, as it happens in molecular modelation. Indeed, there are a lot of chemistry software packages, the most recent including the use of VRML [1,2]. The reasons for such interest are clear: in scientific research it is easier to obtain understanding from a three-dimensional model than from the simple reading of numbers or formulas; in the apprenticeship domain the utility of graphical methods, in particular the immersive ones, is being proved, for instance for forming correct conceptual models [3]. The Virtual Water project aims at the conception of an educational environment, joining molecular modelation with immersive three-dimensional graphic representation. The choice of water is justified by the fact that this is a common and relatively simple substance. Its study has interested many investigators who do realistic simulations of water in Physics, Chemistry and Biology [4,5]. However, less attention has been given to the pedagogical exploration of water simulations. The subjects approached in the project go from the study of the molecule geometry to the structures of the solid, liquid and gaseous phases, through the study of the electronic density and the chemical bonding by hydrogen bridges. Since some studies of water start with atomic orbits, in particular with the hydrogen s, p and d, this subject is also included in the project. 2. GENERAL FEATURES OF THE PROJECT The exploration of the contents is done in two ways (Figure 1): • Macro → Micro - from the water phases to the atoms (full line in the Figure); • Micro → Macro – from the atomic orbits to the water phases (dashed line). In any case, the scenery exploration is preceded by navigation in a training environment. The goal is to help the user to achieve good adaptation to the interfaces (glove and Head Mounted Display), navigation and interaction in virtual worlds. Our project comprises two phases: in the first (which is under way) the visualization of the water molecule geometry (S2), the hydrogen bonds (S5), the water electronic density (S4) and hydrogen wave functions (S3) are done. In a second phase, other aspects will be introduced allowing for the study of phase transitions (S1). Virtual Reality in Science Education: The Virtual Water project TRINDADE, Jorge Fonseca Physics Department Institute Polytechnic of Guarda 6300 Guarda alberto@hydra.ci.uc.pt and FIOLHAIS, Carlos Physics Department University of Coimbra 3000 Coimbra tcarlos@hydra.ci.uc.pt