Storytelling for social justice and engagement: a materials science class

Abstract

The biographical stories of scientists and engineers, particularly those from historically excluded groups, have been integrated into the curriculum for a materials science course. The goal is to help students connect and relate to the scientific content, while opening the door to conversations about social justice in the virtual classroom. We have covered scientists including James Parsons, Hiroshi Amano, Evelyn Roberts, Wallace Carothers, Walter Hardenberg, and Max Liboiron. Furthermore, the technical information covered in the course has been contextualized by facilitating discussions on the history of certain raw material extraction and its ties to racism, colonialism, and the atrocities that result from these practices. This course was tailored to operate in an online setting by telling the stories of these scientists during lecture, and then asking students to express their learning through informal discussions and written reflections. This methodology encouraged conversations about inclusion and the role scientists must play as they consider both their work and the world around them, and students reported higher engagement and understanding between the technical science and the stories.