Authentic Science Rooted in the Local Fisheries, Environmental Issues, and Diverse Cultural Practices: Conceptualizing the Community-Based Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics Collaborative of Alaska (C-STEM-AK)

• In Event: 16.049 - Decolonizing Environmental Education: Equity, Indigeneity, Justice

Abstract

This presentation explores the conceptualization of collaboration between the University of Alaska Anchorage, two rural school districts in Alaska, and community members. We specifically address the extensive two-year long theorizing and planning. The Community-based Science-Technology-Engineering-Mathematics Collaborative of Alaska (C-STEM AK) project intends to transform education through inquiry-based environmental science. C-STEM AK will engage children on Alaska’s Baranof and Chichagof Islands in science that is embedded in the fisheries industry, environmental issues, and diverse cultural practices. The research component of this project analyzes a diverse system of environmentally rich opportunities in two districts, and how elementary and secondary learners, their teachers and their support systems access science, and in turn, scientific and environmental literacy.

Authors

• Mike Mueller, The University of Alaska - Anchorage

• Douglas Causey, University of Alaska Anchorage