Eighth grade students at Oak Lawn Hometown Middle School are experiencing history in a powerful new way. During a recent library visit, students used Meta Quest 3 headsets to explore the Anne Frank House VR experience, stepping into a virtual recreation of the Secret Annex in 1942. As they moved through the confined spaces, students gained a deeper, more personal understanding of what life was like for Anne Frank and others in hiding during World War II.
“This is history in a way you can feel,” 8th grader Michael shared. “It made everything we’ve learned so much more real.”
To extend learning, the library featured books on the Holocaust and World War II, helping students connect the virtual experience to real historical accounts. This activity builds on their reading of The Diary of Anne Frank and prepares them for an upcoming visit to the Museum of Science and Industry’s Anne Frank exhibit.
By blending technology with literature, OLHMS continues to create meaningful, engaging learning experiences that foster empathy and understanding.
