The paper "The Role of Materiality in an Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence" by Kok-Sing Tang and Grant Cooper explores the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, on teaching, learning, and assessment in science education. Unlike other disciplines, natural science is rooted in our interaction with material objects in the physical world, which is distinct from the statistical probability-based nature of GenAI. The authors argue that materiality is crucial in shaping scientific knowledge and epistemic authority, emphasizing its importance in a world dominated by GenAI. Drawing on new materialism and science studies, they highlight how materiality forms an indispensable aspect of human knowledge and meaning-making, particularly in science. They caution that outputs from GenAI, lacking contextualization to material reality, can distort our connection to the physical world and affect the epistemic authority of science. The paper concludes with recommendations for research and teaching, focusing on practical work, material inquiry and argumentation, and learning with GenAI, to ensure that the role of materiality is recognized and integrated into the future of science education.The paper "The Role of Materiality in an Era of Generative Artificial Intelligence" by Kok-Sing Tang and Grant Cooper explores the impact of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) tools, such as ChatGPT, on teaching, learning, and assessment in science education. Unlike other disciplines, natural science is rooted in our interaction with material objects in the physical world, which is distinct from the statistical probability-based nature of GenAI. The authors argue that materiality is crucial in shaping scientific knowledge and epistemic authority, emphasizing its importance in a world dominated by GenAI. Drawing on new materialism and science studies, they highlight how materiality forms an indispensable aspect of human knowledge and meaning-making, particularly in science. They caution that outputs from GenAI, lacking contextualization to material reality, can distort our connection to the physical world and affect the epistemic authority of science. The paper concludes with recommendations for research and teaching, focusing on practical work, material inquiry and argumentation, and learning with GenAI, to ensure that the role of materiality is recognized and integrated into the future of science education.