I think there is value in learning by virtual experience in instances where the real experience is inaccessible, not possible, too expensive or dangerous. How teachers use the technology to explain concepts is likely a determining factor in the success of this technology. If students are left to engage with VR without discussion or real human interaction, the overall quality of student engagement may be less than expected. This is corroborated by the additive success of instructor-led discussion/activities and VR as reported by Bodekaer.
Physics and chemistry are important examples of scientific learning that could benefit from the support of VR tools, because they involve the understanding of concepts that exist on nonhuman scales or are idealized (eg. valence electrons, point particles). VR allows these concepts to be experienced visually as opposed to illustrated through analogy or diagram.