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The Chocolate Curriculum: A Gateway to Materials Science and Engineering and Python Programming
Janine K Nunes1,2,3, Ananya Chakravarti3, Z Vivian Feng4
1Princeton Materials Institute, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, United States.
Journal of Chemical Education
|May 18, 2026
Summary
High school students explored materials science and engineering (MSE) through fun, hands-on chocolate-themed activities. This approach increased awareness and understanding of MSE principles and research methods.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science and Engineering Education
Background:
- Many college students lack awareness of materials science and engineering (MSE), hindering entry into this critical technological field.
- Bridging this awareness gap is essential for cultivating future scientists and engineers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a short course curriculum introducing high school students to MSE concepts.
- To enhance scientific literacy and engineering perspective using accessible, hands-on, and computational methods.
- To lower barriers to entry in MSE by connecting everyday experiences to core scientific principles.
Main Methods:
- Designed a curriculum using Context-Based Learning with a chocolate science theme.
- Incorporated low-cost, hands-on activities linked to advanced laboratory techniques (e.g., differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy).
- Integrated computational modules using Python for data analysis, modeling, and visualization.
Main Results:
- Students engaged with MSE concepts through relatable, experimental, and computational activities.
- The curriculum successfully connected everyday observations to the materials science tetrahedron (structure, process, properties, performance).
- Students produced publication-quality figures and investigated hypotheses using computational tools.
Conclusions:
- The chocolate-themed, integrated experimental-computational approach effectively lowered barriers to MSE.
- The curriculum increased student awareness of MSE and its relevance.
- Students were empowered to act as citizen scientists, fostering interest in STEM fields.
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