Physics, Philosophy and Social Justice

On the heels of this week’s historic events, students in Upper School science teacher George Austin’s Modern Physics and Philosophy course kicked off their own social justice initiative to conclude the semester. Covering a wide range of topics, from quantum mechanics to astronomy, cosmology, metaphysics and epistemology, this elective attempted to illuminate scholars’ quest for the Grand Unified Theory of Everything and addressed the nature of human understanding.
 
In their study during the year, the class noticed and discussed many faults in the current social discourse on science. One of the most glaring was the appalling lack of credit to Henrietta Leavitt, one of the Harvard Computers whose amazing contributions to science have gone largely unnoticed.
 
And so, like many Parker students before them, they decided to put reflection into action. Join these students as they kick off the #GiveHerCredit campaign on Twitter and help @LeavittName go viral!
 
“I am so proud of the work these seniors—Julia Auerbach, Angel Bustamante, Oscar Fardon, Nathalie San Fratello and Caleb Schatz—have done so far,” Austin shared. “Please join me in giving them a HUGE shout-out.”
 
Watch this PSA video below for more details!
Click here to see examples of the infographics made to help spread the word!
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Francis W. Parker School educates students to think and act with empathy, courage and clarity as responsible citizens and leaders in a diverse democratic society and global community.