Stimulating Mechanistic Reasoning in Physics Using Student-Constructed Stop-Motion Animations

Abstract This article reports on a case study that aims to help students develop mechanistic reasoning through constructing model based stop-motion animation of physical phenomenon. Mechanistic is valuable thinking strategy for in trying make sense scientific phenomena. Ten ninth-grade used software create an projectile motion. Retrospective think-aloud interviews were conducted investigate how the construction induced students’ reasoning. did occur while engaged creating animation, particular chunking and sequencing. Moreover, all eventually exhibited including abstract concepts, e.g., not directly observable agents. Students who reached highest level reasoning, i.e., chaining, demonstrated deeper conceptual understanding content.