The need for physicists to work with others outside of the discipline of physics has become more prominent due to the growing necessity of interdisciplinary subjects and careers. While this need exists, there are few opportunities for physics students to gain collaborative experiences and skills. This study seeks to investigate the ways in which the interactions between students from different disciplines within a virtual environment affect the formation of a community of practice. We collected qualitative data in the form of interviews and written responses from a team of four undergraduate students, two of which study physics, and two that study graphic design. These data record the students' experiences as they work together to develop a public engagement project aimed at combining physics with art and design. Using a Communities of Practice framework to analyze these data, we are able to characterize how a community of practice formed and how the students developed shared goals along with group norms and relevant skills.

Interactions between physics and design students: developing a community of practice in a virtual, informal space

Poster Session 1A

poster

**Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics**

As a gateway discipline to STEM majors and careers, physics plays a central role in deciding who does, and who doesn't, get to discover and pursue scientific careers. Technical and scientific professionals are rewarded with economic privilege and status which affords them both social and cultural power. Therefore, social justice will be realized only when the opportunity, and the choice, to excel in physics is open to all students. The culture and practices of the physics classroom reflect the culture of physics at large, which raises the question of how our professional physics communities can embrace, rather than inadvertently repel, a diverse group of academics that can help improve physics culture.  To this end, the 2021 Physics Education Research Conference will focus on defining inclusive spaces and practices. Additionally, we will explore strategies for eliminating exclusionary practices in our classrooms, research spaces, and professional organizations. We call on the community to propose sessions that will drive conversations related to these initiatives throughout PERC 2021.

Please download the full program [here. ](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TRMC_SYJ3PUqXyP7sskA7LRSA8ow0eRE/view?usp=sharing)

PERC SM 21

August 4, 2021 - August 5, 2021 in a Virtual Conference Format

Making Physics More Inclusive and Eliminating Exclusionary Practices in Physics

Raymond Smith

1

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Interactions between physics and design students: developing a community of practice in a virtual, informal space

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