Spacetime Continuum: A Novel Game to Build Science Literacy and Physics Identities

Exploring the expansive and diverse nature of physics history has the dual potential to increase science literacy among non-scientists and inspire future physicists by helping to build their physics identities[1]. My newly-developed card game, "Spacetime Continuum", is a versatile tool for teaching physics history to all ages that taps into play and storytelling as natural pathways for learning. Within the game, players explore the story of physics as it unfolds throughout time with increasing detail and nuance. They learn the iterative and human natures of science: how scientists have tested theories, responded to new ideas and observations, and adapted to the world around them. The game includes opportunities to form hypotheses and reflect on the assumptions players carry about physics and physicists. Most importantly, players learn about the accomplishments of physicists from a wide array of backgrounds whose names they may never have heard, but whose work they can't imagine a world without. "Spacetime Continuum" has already begun successfully educating members of the public: a prototype was launched at a large public event in 2024 and met with the enthusiastic participation of hundreds of people and overwhelmingly positive feedback. Going forward, dozens of decks will be printed distributed to Tucson-area classrooms. [1] R. Ceglie, J Women Minor. Sci. Eng. 17, 271–293 (2011)