I believe virtual reality has great potential as an aid to learning. Not only for science as you point out in your post but for almost every aspect of the school curriculum. Imagine being able to walk around Stonehenge or explore the ocean depths from a classroom. There will, of course, be some potential hazards. I can foresee people becoming 'lost' in a virtual world and not wishing to return to the real one. Trained councillors will have to 'go into' these virtual worlds and help the person to let go. Might make a good topic for a future post!:-)