A Case Study in Arts-Informed Ethics Education in the Nuclear and Radiological Sciences

Area of Science:

• Radiological Sciences
• Nuclear Culture Studies
• STEAM Education

Background:

• Traditional nuclear and radiological sciences curricula heavily focus on technological and scientific aspects of radioactivity and ionizing radiation.
• There is a recognized need for professionals who can address complex ethical-social-technical issues within the radiological sciences.
• Effective communication across diverse audiences and stakeholder perspectives is crucial for continuous improvement in the field.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the structure and content of a graduate-level "nuclear culture" course.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of an arts-informed (STEAM-based) approach in promoting reflection on social and ethical issues related to radiation.
• To explore student perceptions of this novel educational methodology.

Main Methods:

• Development and implementation of a graduate course titled "nuclear culture."
• Utilization of various art forms, expression, and material culture as pedagogical tools.
• Integration of discussions, reflective writing, projects, and hands-on activities.
• Thematic analysis of post-hoc surveys to elucidate student perceptions.

Main Results:

• Student perceptions centered on novel educational approaches, engagement, validation, ethics, morals, empathy, and the societal impact of nuclear technology.
• The arts-informed (STEAM) approach was perceived as effective in encouraging perspective-taking and critical evaluation.
• Students reported enhanced engagement and validation through the course's unique methodology.

Conclusions:

• Arts-informed (STEAM) approaches can be successfully integrated into graduate radiological sciences curricula.
• Incorporating art fosters deeper reflection and understanding of the social and ethical dimensions of nuclear science.
• This pedagogical strategy improves the educational experience and promotes critical awareness among nuclear-focused students.