The Immersive Theater

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Virtual Vortex

How much does a cloud weigh? Is it more than a leaf? Is it as much as a mountain?

An interactive 3-D experience with Virtual Vortex helps students understand the physics of an air mass; the weight of a cloud; and how clouds and tornadoes are formed.

Utilizing a combination of 3-D images, instruction and demonstrations from a moderator, and a touch-screen computer monitor, students are challenged to better understand the weather patterns that impact our lives every day.

By the end of the program, students are given the opportunity to partner with a friend and create their own tornado. With a touch-screen computer, the students control the size of the tornado and determine its path of destruction.

This one-of-a-kind program was created by Sci-Quest through funding provided by the National Science Foundation and with the assistance of Digital Radiance.

Sponsored by:

Produced by:


Educator Information:

Virtual Vortex

  • ACOSS
    Grade 2: 7, 9, 10
    Grade 3: 12
    Grade 6: 1, 2, 3, 8
    Earth and Space: 1, 2, 3, 6
  • Tennessee Standards
    Atmospheric Cycles: 8.1

The Immersive Theater is also available for off-site trainings, meetings, and presentations. Please see our Facility Rentals for more information.