“Everybody’s searching their roots”: centering Black nature-cultures of belonging in non-compulsory computer science education

Background & context: Inspired by the nature-cultures of belonging from Black hair care, we conducted a design experiment to bridge computer science (CS) education, urban gardening, and cosmetology in a culturally responsive computing (CRC) library program. Objective: The design was oriented around a small-scale aquaponics system to grow mint and lavender for making natural cosmetic products. We hypothesized that this could inform the design and implementation of computational thinking and computer programming educational activities. Methods: We analyzed qualitative and quantitative data from the design experiment to theorize the processes of using the aquaponics system to enroll Black nature-cultures of belonging in the CRC program. Findings: Given that the program supported children’s self-confidence in and knowledge of CS, nature-culture inspired CS education appears feasible. Implications: Through respectful engagement with the discourses and practices of Black hair care, we provide insight into how nature-cultures can contribute to more diverse, inclusive, and pluralistic forms of CS education.