Igniting gifted minds through space science: an ISS mission experience with 5E learning model and immersive virtual reality

The International Space Station (ISS) provides gifted students with an interdisciplinary learning context that integrates space exploration and scientific inquiry. Renzulli's Three-Ring Conception of Giftedness offers a strong framework for designing educational programs that cultivate creativity, task commitment, and intellectual challenge. Building on this foundation, we designed an educational activity that integrates the 5E Learning Model with Immersive Virtual Reality (IVR) to create an enriched and interactive space science learning experience. Using the Mission: ISS application, students engaged in a structured learning process that simulated key aspects of life and work aboard the ISS. The learning began with the Engage phase, where students developed concept maps linking space sciences to various disciplines and designed mission patches representing their ISS tasks. In the Explore phase, students used IVR to experience microgravity navigation, astronaut tasks, and extravehicular activities (EVA), applying Newton's Laws of Motion while interacting with simulated ISS operations. The Explain phase encouraged students to analyze their virtual experiences, discussing scientific principles, astronaut research, and STEM career pathways. During the Elaborate phase, students collaborated in groups to design astronaut-friendly games incorporating physics, engineering, and biology concepts while ensuring feasibility in microgravity. The study concluded with the Evaluate phase, where students reflected on their learning through open-ended discussions, peer feedback, and rubric-based assessments. By immersing students in authentic space exploration scenarios, this approach fosters science engagement and equips them with the skills necessary to tackle interdisciplinary scientific challenges.