Imagery as data: structures for visual model building

Scientific visualization tools render quantitative data into visual representations that can be analyzed and manipulated by students. But certain types of problems require more qualitative, observational data that cannot be easily represented with current visualization software. This paper describes an approach to using photographs and video as a primary data source for observational inquiry. We describe a framework for students to collaborate around photographs and video, collaboration that leads to inquiry and the development of explanatory models. We also describe two of our learning environments to illustrate how students can begin to develop predictive theories from image data.