PhyStory: Connecting science to the public through their stories
ORAL
Abstract
In this presentation, I will discuss a proposal to evolve a classroom project into the world of education and public outreach.
Folk physics, known as naïve physics, guides individuals’ perceptions about how the world functions. It is rooted in their daily experiences and shared stories. While experiences are based on observations, conclusions based on observations can be incorrect due to incomplete or inaccurate information. The concept that something must push on an object to cause it to move persists among many persons even though they know of friction for example. This is a form of misinformation.
PhyStory presents an opportunity to counter both misinformation and disinformation through listening first. We can connect to an individual at a human level by showing a genuine interest in their life as told by them through their story. We keep them engaged by asking them about one specific event or moment in their story and their understanding of the reason the event occurred the way it did. In doing so, we show that we value them as a person. We then show an appreciation for how they arrived at their understanding based on their experiences, thus acknowledging their perspective and opening the possibility for dialog. It is in that moment that we can introduce a new perspective with corrected physics if needed, and through that dialog, begin to rebuild trust in scientists and science.
Folk physics, known as naïve physics, guides individuals’ perceptions about how the world functions. It is rooted in their daily experiences and shared stories. While experiences are based on observations, conclusions based on observations can be incorrect due to incomplete or inaccurate information. The concept that something must push on an object to cause it to move persists among many persons even though they know of friction for example. This is a form of misinformation.
PhyStory presents an opportunity to counter both misinformation and disinformation through listening first. We can connect to an individual at a human level by showing a genuine interest in their life as told by them through their story. We keep them engaged by asking them about one specific event or moment in their story and their understanding of the reason the event occurred the way it did. In doing so, we show that we value them as a person. We then show an appreciation for how they arrived at their understanding based on their experiences, thus acknowledging their perspective and opening the possibility for dialog. It is in that moment that we can introduce a new perspective with corrected physics if needed, and through that dialog, begin to rebuild trust in scientists and science.
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Presenters
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Arthur K Pallone
Penn State Harrisburg
Authors
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Arthur K Pallone
Penn State Harrisburg