Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly utilized in education, yet its effectiveness can vary due to potential distractions and excessive workload. Prior research suggests that virtual signaling elements can enhance learning in VR environments. However, the effectiveness of different design elements for specific learning content and their impact on learner workload remain understudied. This study examines the influence of graphic armatures, multimodal cues, and numeric measures on scale learning in Scale Worlds, a VR learning environment for exploring scientific entities across multiple scales. Preliminary results indicate that numeric measures notably enhance learning outcomes by providing direct scale representations. It shows that different virtual elements can variably affect learners’ scale learning outcomes and behaviors and can lead to varying levels of workload. This study underscores the importance of aligning the design of virtual elements with educational objectives and ensuring they induce an appropriate level of workload for learning in VR learning environment.