Despite being the “central science”, chemistry is not the most popular science. Science majors often fear the math, so choose to study biology instead. Non-science majors sometimes think that they’re not smart enough to understand science and math. This is unfortunate, and untrue. While there is some math, everyone is smart enough to understand chemistry – given the right framework and background information. Chemistry isn’t just the central science – it’s central to everything. Every field of study intersects with chemistry directly or indirectly. With some creativity, these connections can build confidence and enhance student experience. Because chemistry is central to everything, everyone should have the opportunity learn how it expands our understanding of the world. Our collaboration began through an informal e-mail exchange regarding radioactivity and nuclear waste. It was through these conversations that we discovered a shared fascination in nuclear chemistry, and in the Manhattan Project. Despite the horrific outcome of the bombs – or perhaps because of it – the name “Manhattan Project” is well known in the public arena, but generally not well understood. We sought to increase understanding of the history and the science, especially because nuclear chemistry is rarely taught as part of the undergraduate (or graduate) curriculum. We designed an interdisciplinary class intended to appeal to students from science and non-science disciplines alike that would challenge their understanding of history, introduce them to basic nuclear chemistry, teach them the fundamentals of ethical arguments, and expose them to diverse literature inspired by the Manhattan Project and its outcomes. Students from ten different majors attended, and all expressed their appreciation for the subject and structure of the course. We will share our perspectives on the successes and challenges from this course, and our suggestions for others interested in similar collaboration.

Atomic Narratives: Exploring the Manhattan Project through writing, ethics, history, and chemistry

2019 Spring National Meeting

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.