Exploring Mechanistic Reasoning in Science Education: Understanding Phenomena

This edited volume provides a comprehensive exploration of the diverse dimensions of mechanistic reasoning within science education; inviting to understand its significance, development, and practical applications across diverse scientific disciplines. Through its four sections it covers mechanistic reasoning though diverse lenses such as research studies; instructional strategies; the nature of explanations; and its overall impact on scientific literacy. It combines theoretical discussions with empirical evidence and practical applications, offering a multifaceted perspective on mechanistic reasoning.

This book is an important contribution to science educators working on mechanistic reasoning and related fields such as explanations, system thinking, modeling and argumentation. Additionally, it’s practical recommendations regarding approaches for evaluating and promoting mechanistic reasoning make this a volume of interest for curriculum designers and teachers.

Nicole Graulich is a professor of chemistry education at the Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Germany. Her research focuses on learning chemistry at the tertiary level with a focus on mechanistic reasoning and leveraging new technologies for adaptive learning.

Michal Haskel-Ittah is a senior scientist at the Department of Science Teaching, the Weizmann Institute of Science, Israel. Her research focuses on causal understanding and mechanistic reasoning in the context of teaching and learning biology.

Rayendra Wahyu Bachtiar is an assistant professor in the Department of Physics Education at the University of Jember, Indonesia. His research focuses on understanding how technology can support students in developing mechanistic reasoning in physics.