Maggie Mars: Theatrical Modeling and the Phenomenological Understanding of Solar Systems

Abstract

In this manuscript we report on initial findings from the first implementation of a four-cycle design study that seeks to synergize computational modeling and narrative theater to support students' phenomenological understanding of solar systems. We develop the notion of the theatrical model as a low-overhead, high-expressivity alternative to typical computational modeling approaches. We then analyze the lifespan of one theatrical model as a case study to show how its collaborative creation and interpretation both reflect characteristic computational modeling practices and suggest new resources for modeling.