Remaining Steadfast in the Pursuit of Justice-Oriented Science Education

• In Event: From Memory to Movement: SECRET Work to Advance Science Literacy

Abstract

The current sociopolitical climate across local, federal, and global contexts is wrought with anti-DEI and other xenophobic sentiments and legislation. While working within such hostile contexts, it is ostensibly difficult to truly transform K-12 public education for minoritized learners when we are prohibited or limited in our use of justice-oriented science teaching practices in K-16 learning environments. Yet, we remain steadfast in our commitment to pursuing pathways that promote justice-oriented science education—especially for young children in PK-6 learning environments. In this presentation, I discuss the roots of my commitment to this ever-important work and how my positionality shapes this work, my vision for justice-oriented elementary science education, and how I support educators in realizing this future for our children.

Author

• Tia C. Madkins, The University of Texas at Austin