Students at West Haven High School recently had the opportunity to use virtual reality headsets during an Algebra class through a demonstration from Prisms VR. Prisms VR is an education technology company that develops immersive virtual reality programs designed to help students understand math and science by connecting concepts to interactive, real-world experiences.
When asked how the students reacted to learning math through VR and what the experience adds compared to a regular classroom lesson, Algebra teacher Justin Wentworth said, “I think the students responded very positively to VR. The most important aspect is that it offers a unique learning experience that students can draw from to create a stronger foundation. There is no denying the excitement that a lot of the students had for this opportunity. Overall I'm excited about this program and I actually think the students are more excited.”
Coordinator of Mathematics, Robbin Ferreira, explained why VR is such an exciting tool for students, noting that it transforms math from something abstract into something experienced. “Instead of just reading about a word problem or solving an equation on paper, students step into real-world environments where math naturally lives—like designing buildings, navigating landscapes, or analyzing real data from the world around them. They don’t just see math—they feel it, interact with it, and problem-solve within it. This makes learning more engaging, memorable, and relevant to their lives. For many students, it’s the first time math feels alive and connected to the world they know.”
Ferreira also described how experiences like VR help students succeed in math. “Experiences like VR help students succeed because they build deeper understanding through a natural progression—from hands-on, sensory-rich experiences to abstract problem-solving. Students first develop curiosity and emotional connections to problems, then learn to analyze them using models, graphs, and equations. This process strengthens critical thinking, pattern recognition, and the ability to connect concepts across contexts. It also builds confidence: when students realize they can solve meaningful, complex problems in a virtual world, they are more motivated and prepared to tackle challenging math in the classroom and beyond.”
This visit from Prisms VR gave students a chance to experience math in a completely new way, combining hands-on learning with cutting-edge technology. Opportunities like this show how West Haven High School is bringing innovative tools into the classroom to engage students, strengthen understanding, and inspire excitement for learning.
