Introduction
XRAqua is a pioneering educational project that merges real-world aquaponics systems with an interactive virtual reality (VR) application to enhance STEM education through immersive, data-driven experiences. The project addresses the urgent need for innovative pedagogical approaches linking sustainability, aquaculture, food production, and digital technologies in secondary education, while raising awareness of low-trophic aquaculture solutions.
Methodology
Throughout the 2024/2025 school year, a fully operational freshwater aquaponics system was installed at Madeira Torres Secondary School (Portugal), incorporating the cultivation of fish species alongside hydroponic vegetable production in a closed-loop design. Students interacted with the physical system and its digital twin via a dedicated XR application, allowing them to monitor parameters (e.g., temperature, pH, dissolved oxygen, electrical conductivity) using IoT sensors connected to an interactive dashboard, perform maintenance simulations, and engage with gamified sustainability challenges. User acceptance, educational impact, and system usability were systematically assessed through surveys, quizzes, and system data analytics.
Results
By September 2025, XRAqua will have completed its implementation phase, with comprehensive datasets gathered from more than 150 students across scientific, technological, and environmental disciplines. Preliminary findings demonstrate notable improvements in students’ scientific literacy, critical thinking, and understanding of sustainable aquaculture practices. Over 85% of participants reported higher motivation towards STEM subjects, and significant increases were recorded in knowledge acquisition related to fish physiology, water quality management, and circular food systems. The XR platform achieved high usability ratings, and real-time data visualization via the online dashboard was pivotal in maintaining student engagement. Fish survival and growth rates in the pilot system were consistent with expected performance benchmarks for small-scale educational aquaponics setups, validating the technical feasibility of integrating aquaculture training into secondary school curricula.
Conclusion
XRAqua confirms the potential of combining XR technologies with aquaponics and fish farming as an effective educational strategy to foster sustainability awareness and build future competencies in aquaculture. The project’s outcomes suggest that such hybrid learning models can be successfully scaled across educational settings, bridging gaps between theoretical knowledge, hands-on practice, and digital innovation, while contributing to broader blue economy and food security objectives.
Keywords: XR education, aquaponics, aquaculture training, STEM learning, sustainable aquaculture, virtual reality, IoT in education, circular food systems.