Is personification helpful or harmful in science?

Do atoms “want” full electron shells, do molecules “prefer” stability, and are electrons really “attacking” each other? Or could it be that while personifying molecules might be quietly teaching us the wrong ideas? Chemistry education researcher Jessie Stenlund joins Melissa and Jam to investigate anthropomorphism, analogies, scientific language, and why a satisfying explanation isn’t necessarily an accurate one. Along the way, Melissa reckons with learning that one of her strongest teaching opinions might need revisiting.

Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Timestamps

00:00 — Melissa discovers she may have been teaching something wrong 00:52 — Meet chemistry education researcher Jessie Stenlund 04:17 — Why does iron rust? 08:59 — What counts as anthropomorphizing molecules? 11:09 — Why personification makes chemistry easier to learn 15:17 — When chemistry’s official language already sounds human 18:49 — How personification can confuse cause and effect 24:58 — Oversimplification, unfalsifiable claims, and chemical evidence 34:07 — When scientific shorthand replaces real understanding 36:52 — Do students think atoms and molecules are alive? 40:48 — Can satisfying explanations stop us from asking questions? 47:35 — Are electrons really “attacking” other molecules? 52:09 — How to personify chemistry more responsibly 57:00 — Finding the right balance for different learners

References from the Episode:

Thanks to our monthly supporters Sara Hull Dog Day Dan Bri . Summer Alden Amanda Raymond Kyle McCray Justine Ash Vince W Julie S. Heather Ragusa Autoclave Dorien VD Scott Beyer Jessie Reder J0HNTR0Y Cullyn R Erica Bee Elizabeth P Rachel Reina Letila Katrina Barnum-Huckins Suzanne Phillips Venus Rebholz Jacob Taber Brian Kimball Kristina Gotfredsen Timothy Parker Steven Boyles Chris Skupien Chelsea B Avishai Barnoy Hunter Reardon

Support this podcast on Patreon Buy Podcast Merch and Apparel

Check out our website at chemforyourlife.com

Watch our episodes on YouTube

Find us on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook @ChemForYourLife

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.