Ecology 101

Inspiration

My inspiration for "Ecology 101" stems from the urgent global need to promote environmental awareness and sustainable practices, especially among younger generations. Drawing from the VR educational project "Computer History 101," I wanted to create an immersive, interactive world that blends gamification with real-world ecology. The idea of using VR to simulate hands-on learning—much like exploring historical computing exhibits—led me to design a space where users actively participate in recycling processes. Initially planning to collaborate with an ecology specialist (Jakub), who would prepare substantive content, and an architect (Justyna), who would design the space and assets, I aimed to transform abstract concepts like waste management and reforestation into engaging experiences that encourage behavioral change and foster deeper appreciation for the planet. They truly wanted to help, but with everything going on, we're all so busy and exhausted that they couldn't contribute this time—so I developed it solo. This project holds immense potential to teach children waste sorting in a positive, warm atmosphere supporting self-development, emphasizing education, ecology, and empathy through technology—and I came up with it myself, deserving a small congratulations for that creativity!

What it does

"Ecology 101" is an interactive VR world in Meta Horizon Worlds teaching ecology and recycling via gamified activities. Users collect virtual trash (plastic, paper, organic waste) and sort it into bins. Correct actions spawn trees in real-time, transforming barren landscapes into forests, visually showing recycling's impact on restoration and nurturing empathy and growth.

How I built it

I built it using Meta Horizon Worlds' tools, starting with the desktop editor. Planned collaborations with Jakub (ecology content) and Justyna (designs via FBX) didn't materialize as we're all overwhelmed and fatigued, but I'm hopeful for future input to create something exceptional. Solo, I used TrueScript for mechanics like collection and animations, and swiftly leveraged embedded AI for generating 3D meshes, textures, and environments via prompts. Testing on Meta Quest ensured immersion and accessibility. Despite constraints, it highlights educational value, with initial collaboration threads signaling growth potential.

Challenges I ran into

Limited resources halted full polishing; Jakub and Justyna's enthusiasm was there, but our collective busyness and exhaustion with burocracy didn't help. The version is rudimentary—unoptimized code, basic visuals. Horizon constraints caused instability, and balancing education with gameplay needed revisions. Yet, raw potential needs just refinement, with collaboration sparks for partnerships.

Accomplishments I'm proud of

I'm proud of the foundational VR experience with innovative tree-spawning. My dream is to establish cooperation threads, and spark tester interest in sustainability prove resilience. This project supports education, ecology, empathy!

What I learned

I gained insights into VR's experiential power for nurturing habits. Solo work taught resilience; feedback emphasized intuitive designs. Initial cooperation reinforces belief in refining for founding programs for multidyscyplinary students, and I'm hopeful for Jakub and Justyna's involvement to excel.

What's next for Ecology 101

Expand with interactions, refinements. Lacking funds, with Jakub and Justyna unable to help due to our overload, I'm seeking IT pros, developers, educators—even a rocket specialist—to help in guidind and mentoring students. First collaboration thread promises growth; together, we'd craft uniqueness. Critically, winning the Meta Horizon Creator Competition: Mobile Genre Showdown - Reloaded would provide essential funds to assemble an ideal team of students, with Justyna and Jakub as mentors. This would be an extraordinary, didactic experience, enabling this pro-ecological world and student training in VR/AI, promoting global sustainability.

Built With

• ai
• editor
• horizon
• meta