Like HTML, VRML (Virtual Reality Modeling Language) is a kind of plain text scripting language used for describing 3D objects on the Internet. Contrary to most of other 3D or VR images/objects which usually capture really objects or scences through digital camera, VRML objects can be purely computer-generated or a combination of various kinds of images or 3D objects (including those input from 3D scanners). It can properly describe the object properties, lighting, texture and camera angle etc. and allow the viewer to make real-time interactions (e.g. moving, rotating and zooming) with objects and scenes. It allows the maximum degree of manipulation and navigation and it can incorporate many types of interactive features, rendering it as the best VR technology for developing students' skills of scientific investigation and manipulation of scientific equipment. Besides, it can facilitate the development of learners' spatial intelligence.

The language was first drafted mostly by the SGI company (VRML 1.0 version) based on their existing 3D technologies and was later recognised by the ISO as VRML 2.0 or VRML97.  For the two most popular web browsers, i.e. Firefox (Netscape) and Internet Explorer, a VRML plugin is needed to view the VRML objects. Some free VRML plugins are given below for you install one of them before you can view the examples:

• Cosmo Player 2.x plugins (for browsers in Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP and Irix 6.5) - http://www.karmanaut.com/cosmo/player/
• SIM VRMLview browser (for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP, Linux and Irix 6.5) - http://www.sim.no
• Cortona VRML Client 3.x (for Windows and Mac) - http://www.parallelgraphics.com
• Blaxxun 3D plugin (for browsers in Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP) - http://www.blaxxun.com
• Free WRL (for Unix and Linux) - http://www.crc.ca/FreeWRL