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Grasping the Uncertainty of Scientific Phenomena: A Creative, Agentic, and Multimodal Model for Sensemaking

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Uncertainty: A Catalyst for Creativity, Learning and Development

Part of the book series: Creativity Theory and Action in Education ((CTAE,volume 6))

Abstract

This chapter proposes a framework to guide future research and practice in the understudied area of scientific sensemaking—the liminal space of uncertainty with abstraction where meaning-making takes shape for learners. The chapter discusses the role of agency and creative metacognition in relation to scientific sensemaking and proposes a multimodal continuum, where linguistic metaphor, physical and gestural enactment, and 3D construction enhance the 2D graphic illustration of scientific models, typical in most science classrooms. Grounded with standards-based examples, this chapter illustrates how teachers can scaffold different types and intensities of uncertainty into the scientific sensemaking process to develop students’ agency and metacognition, equitably, and provide access to different multimodal techniques.

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Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (U351D140063). Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to Ross Anderson, Inflexion, 1700 Millrace, Eugene, OR 97405. E-mail: ross.anderson@inflexion.org

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Inflexion, Eugene, OR, USA

    Ross C. Anderson & Tracy Bousselot

  2. Creative Engagement Lab, Eugene, OR, USA

    Ross C. Anderson & Nate Beard

  3. University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, USA

    Shawn Irvin

  4. Bellweather, Nashville, TN, USA

    Paul Beach

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  1. Ross C. Anderson
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  2. Shawn Irvin
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Correspondence to Ross C. Anderson .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA

    Ronald A. Beghetto

  2. LEGO Foundation, Billund, Denmark

    Garrett J. Jaeger

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Anderson, R.C., Irvin, S., Bousselot, T., Beard, N., Beach, P. (2022). Grasping the Uncertainty of Scientific Phenomena: A Creative, Agentic, and Multimodal Model for Sensemaking. In: Beghetto, R.A., Jaeger, G.J. (eds) Uncertainty: A Catalyst for Creativity, Learning and Development . Creativity Theory and Action in Education, vol 6. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98729-9_9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-98729-9_9

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