Think back to when you were in school. What lessons do you remember most?  

Was it reading about the anatomy of a frog in a 20-year-old textbook? Or was it actually dissecting one and seeing each organ up close? 

Was it watching a documentary about volcanoes erupting? Or was it shaping your own from sand and watching it erupt in real-time?  

Chances are, it was the lessons that pulled you in – the ones that let you be part of the learning, not just the observer.  

That’s the idea behind immersive learning.  

What Is Immersive Learning? 

Immersive learning is exactly what it sounds like – “immersive”. Instead of sitting through lectures or flipping through worksheets, this type of learning pulls students into the experience so they can see, touch and experiment with the concepts they’re studying.  

In a STEM environment, that might mean using simulation tools, digital modeling or AR/VR technology that link theory to practice. When done successfully, it turns the classroom into a place where students are active participants in their own learning.  

What Are the Benefits of Immersive Learning? 

Here’s why schools should incorporate immersive learning into their STEM curriculum: 

1. It Simplifies Complex Ideas

Some STEM topics are hard to visualize – like equations, forces and reactions. Immersive learning tools, whether physical or digital, help make these abstract ideas more concrete. In fact, according to research published in Frontiers in Education, immersive technologies can significantly improve comprehension of complex STEM concepts. By seeing, touching or simulating a concept, students have an easier time connecting theory to reality.  

2. It Improves Retention  

Students remember what they do, not just what they hear. Immersive experiences give them opportunities to apply learning in hands-on ways, improving both recall and confidence. A report by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation found that immersive experiences can reduce cognitive load and enhance memory recall, allowing learners to retain knowledge longer.  

Plus, when teachers combine immersive learning with multisensory methods, student engagement and understanding improve even more! Learn more about the benefits of multisensory learning. 

3. It Expands Access and Equity 

This type of learning also makes STEM more inclusive. Not every school can afford a state-of-the-art lab or frequent field trips — but with digital simulations, AR tools and flexible classroom setups, students can still get hands-on with science safely and affordably. 

4. It Promotes Collaboration and Creativity 

Immersive learning naturally encourages teamwork and creativity. When students are part of interactive learning environments, they’re often brainstorming ideas, testing solutions and problem-solving together. 

Bringing Immersive Learning into the Classroom 

There are many ways to incorporate immersive learning, but one tool we see schools love is our Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox. While there are many ways to bring this type of learning into the classroom, our Augmented Reality (AR) Sandbox is a popular choice. With this AR learning tool, students can shape sand into hills, valleys and rivers, while a project overlays topographic lines and water simulations that move as students move the sand. It turns science into something you can get your hands on – literally.  

Watch the video to see the AR Sandbox in action:  

At Diversified Spaces, we design environments that make this kind of learning possible — from flexible lab layouts to hands-on learning tools like the AR Sandbox.  

Ready to design a STEM lab that pulls students into the learning experience? Let’s talk about your next project.