Visualization of thought experiments in special relativity education at the secondary level

Abstract

Special relativity theory (SRT) presents an attractive introduction to modern physics in secondary education. Understanding the principles of SRT, however, requires a conceptually demanding learning process, involving a variety of robust learning difficulties. Thought experiments (TEs), performed by students themselves, provide a fruitful learning tool to address these difficulties. We present two visualization tools that explicitly support students in performing specific phases of a TE: a computer modelling tool and a paper and pencil representation of space time. We discuss relevant design features and specify how these visualization tools can be used to address learning difficulties.