EarthConnect VR is a collaborative pilot connecting students with places through curated immersive storytelling.
This project came about as an additional, experimental add-on to a National Geographic Photo Camp in June of 2026. Photo camp students from Menominee Nation High School created 360-degree videos that were then paired with cultural teachings from Menominee elders and knowledge keepers. National Geographic Explorer Táhila Moss facilitated the interviews and creation of VR content and processed and edited the video, assisted by Ravena, a MIHS graduate and photo camp leader. National Geographic Explorer and Educator Kelly Koller helped coordinate the project, created the website, the Earth Connect VR app, and teacher resources, and secured grant funding from Wisconsin’s geographic endowment of the National Geographic Society. She will also facilitate testing the VR pilot through her middle school with Bay View First Nations Club.
Many thanks to National Geographic Society, the photo camp students and coordinators and the school-based teachers for joining us in this project!
If you are interested in a similar pilot, please reach out through the contact form.