Healium is the world’s first virtual and augmented reality platform powered by brainwaves and heart rate via consumer wearables. A small tech startup called StoryUp is the brainchild behind the innovative product. Sarah Hill the CEO and Chief storyteller at StoryUp got the idea after working with veterans and witnessing the impact that virtual reality had on veterans’ experiences. Incorporating neuroscience with meditation practices, the team at StoryUp has come up with an open-eyed meditation practice that has tested positive for reducing stress and anxiety in humans.

Meet the innovators using science and engineering practices along with life sciences principles to design a VR system that addresses stress.

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Teacher Resources for the Video:

NGSS Disciplines Addressed in Standards Referenced Below:
• Physical Sciences
• Engineering, Technology, and Applications of Science

Discussion Questions:
• Using VR to reduce stress and anxiety is an interesting approach to mental health. After viewing the video and researching the StartUp company, have students take a position of whether they feel this helps or not. Do they think it would work for all or some? Why do they feel that way? Is data available on the effectiveness of this across populations?

Activity Ideas:
• Use the video in conjunction with an activity that has your students planning an entrepreneurial pitch session for a technological innovation designed for younger students and then working with the students to help them create their pitches. Bring in local entrepreneurs to hear the student pitches and evaluate the effectiveness of each.

Resources for Additional Research:
• Learn more about Healium and StartUp at https://www.tryhealium.com.
• Learn more about the NGSS Standards at the NSTA website.

Unique ID for the Video: IinAction-59
• Use the unique ID as a shortcut for students to find this specific video. Click on Search and choose “By Video ID.” Type in the Video ID as it appears above.

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