Describing Teachers’ Efforts to Use Ethnic Studies in Their Science Classrooms

• In Event: Friday Roundtable Session 4:55 pm
  In Roundtable Session: Race, Equity, and Language in Science Teaching and Learning (Table 16)

Abstract

In this study, we explored how elementary and secondary teachers integrate ethnic studies into their science curriculum. Teachers shared the ways that they engaged students in learning activities related to local and community issues, environmental justice, and students’ family and culture. Teachers also shared about challenges related to discriminatory and/or racist events that have occurred in their classrooms and their lack of preparation to restoratively handle these events. Findings suggest that teachers are finding ways to incorporate the histories, families, and communities of students of color into their science curriculum yet also need access to resources and professional learning to support them in this endeavor.

Authors

• Mahya Minaiy, California State University - Dominguez Hills

• Jarod N. Kawasaki, California State University - Dominguez Hills