Washington Elementary School

WARSAW, IN - Sixth graders at Washington STEM Academy had the opportunity to experience a hands-on virtual reality lab led by Johnson & Johnson’s Technology & Innovation Manager, Kathy Haddad.

The interactive session, titled “Beyond Reality: A New Dimension in Education,” introduced students to the expanding role of virtual reality (VR) across industries. The event highlighted how VR technology is used to train surgeons, medical teams and other professionals.

Throughout the afternoon, three groups of sixth grade students rotated through the 30-minute lab sessions led by a four-person J&J team. Students explored the XR spectrum, learning the differences between in-person, augmented, and virtual reality. Haddad also shared how VR is used in medical settings to train sales consultants, residents and fellows, operating room staff, and practicing surgeons before they perform or support actual procedures.

After learning how to operate VR hand controllers, students interacted with objects in a virtual environment (throwing paper airplanes, hitting ping pong balls, and launching small rockets). Finally, they tried their hand at a virtual knee and hip surgery simulation, gaining a closer look at medical technology and innovation in practice.

“The experience that the 6th graders had today was incredible,” said Derek Pike, Instructional Coach at Washington STEM Academy. “Most students have VR at home, but this program allowed them to see how virtual reality is used in STEM-related careers. A big thank you to Kathy Haddad and her team from J&J for leading the lab. They brought enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to the activity.”

Sixth grade science teacher Madison Hartle integrated the VR lab into her class lessons leading up to the event. “Earlier in the week, students learned about how VR is used beyond gaming and how it’s transforming the workforce,” she explained. “When J&J came in, they were able to see those lessons come to life. It was exciting to watch their faces light up as they experienced something completely new.”

Haddad said she was inspired by the students’ curiosity and engagement. “It was energizing to work with 6th graders,” she said. “Their enthusiasm to learn was infectious. Thanks for letting me be part of their interaction with technology.”

Students also provided some feedback about the experience:

• Sophie Peters: “I liked how real it felt. We learned new things about the human body.”

• Kenadi Robinson: “I learned that there are lots of different tools and if you don’t put them together right, the surgery could go terribly wrong.”

• Ken Anderson: “I have never done VR before, but I was able to learn it very fast. I liked how real it felt—like I was in a different world.”

• Finley Owens: “VR was very interactive. I did a knee surgery and the femur looked quite realistic.”

Washington STEM Academy is proud to partner with Johnson & Johnson and grateful for their support in inspiring students through real-world STEM learning experiences.