Supporting secondary school students' understanding of time dilation through simulation-based inquiry learning.
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| Title: | Supporting secondary school students' understanding of time dilation through simulation-based inquiry learning. |
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| Authors: | Alstein, Paul1 (AUTHOR) p.alstein@uu.nl, Krijtenburg-Lewerissa, Kim1 (AUTHOR), van Joolingen, Wouter Reinder1 (AUTHOR) |
| Source: | International Journal of Science Education. Jun2026, Vol. 48 Issue 9, p1290-1310. 21p. |
| Subject Terms: | *Simulation methods in education, *Inquiry-based learning, *Secondary school students, *Physics education, *Lesson planning, Time dilation, Special relativity (Physics), Foundationalism (Theory of knowledge) |
| Abstract: | While time dilation is considered one of the most iconic outcomes of Einstein's special theory of relativity, it is widely recognised as a challenging topic in physics education. Rather than performing classroom experiments, students may explore time dilation by performing guided virtual experiments in a simulation environment. We describe the development of a 90-minute research lesson that aims to introduce time dilation through simulation-based inquiry learning. The research lesson was designed, performed, observed and evaluated collaboratively in a team of researchers and physics teachers, following the approach of Lesson Study. Results indicate that the simulation activities supported students in uncovering and specifying cognitive conflict, and that learning gains in the simulation activities were generalised and transferred in post-lesson activities. For many students, however, it was challenging to interpret and explain the simulations correctly, especially with regard to the relativistic behaviour of light. We conclude that a stronger emphasis on foundational concepts and operational definitions may be required for students to yield meaningful conceptual understanding from the simulation activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
| Copyright of International Journal of Science Education is the property of Routledge and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.) | |
| Database: | Education Research Complete |
| FullText | Text: Availability: 0 |
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| Header | DbId: ehh DbLabel: Education Research Complete An: 193980374 AccessLevel: 6 PubType: Academic Journal PubTypeId: academicJournal PreciseRelevancyScore: 0 |
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| RecordInfo | BibRecord: BibEntity: Identifiers: – Type: doi Value: 10.1080/09500693.2025.2453953 Languages: – Code: eng Text: English PhysicalDescription: Pagination: PageCount: 21 StartPage: 1290 Subjects: – SubjectFull: Simulation methods in education Type: general – SubjectFull: Inquiry-based learning Type: general – SubjectFull: Secondary school students Type: general – SubjectFull: Physics education Type: general – SubjectFull: Lesson planning Type: general – SubjectFull: Time dilation Type: general – SubjectFull: Special relativity (Physics) Type: general – SubjectFull: Foundationalism (Theory of knowledge) Type: general Titles: – TitleFull: Supporting secondary school students' understanding of time dilation through simulation-based inquiry learning. Type: main BibRelationships: HasContributorRelationships: – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Alstein, Paul – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: Krijtenburg-Lewerissa, Kim – PersonEntity: Name: NameFull: van Joolingen, Wouter Reinder IsPartOfRelationships: – BibEntity: Dates: – D: 01 M: 06 Text: Jun2026 Type: published Y: 2026 Identifiers: – Type: issn-print Value: 09500693 Numbering: – Type: volume Value: 48 – Type: issue Value: 9 Titles: – TitleFull: International Journal of Science Education Type: main |
| ResultId | 1 |
