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Michael A. Hammond-Todd, Ph.D.
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Section #2:  Multicultural Inclusion Within (STEM)2 

  
Click on the image to learn about the 10 most famous scientists of all time. 


Nature of Science (NOS) and Multicultural Inclusion



Before starting this section, consider the following measurable and objective truths: 
  • Mammals are warm blooded. 
  • Plants use photosynthesis. 
  • All rocks erupting from volcanoes are igneous rocks. 
  • The sun is at the center of our solar system. 
  • The Earth is approximately 4.5 billion years old. 
While each of these statements is objectively true and directly measurable using quantitative scientific data; recall from our conversation on the Nature of Science (NOS) in Module 1 that cultures around the world often approach, value and interpret objective truth differently. As elementary educators, this idea is interesting to think about within the context of multicultural inclusion in STEM education. In class we will be exploring the history of science within cultural contexts and educational research supporting multicultural inclusion within STEM education as a way to enhance diverse student interest in science and engineering which naturally extends the information you learned in your multicultural education class (EDUC 2400).


Just as in the case of all academic fields and subjects, the history of science is culturally diverse with numerous opportunities to explore the important contributions scientists and engineers around the world have made in shaping our understanding of science, nature and technology. In addition to the multicultural case studies in STEM, we will also discussed the gender gap in STEM and efforts to increase the participation of girls in STEM programs. Each of these case studies is summarized in the articles below:  


  • Article: Berwick, C. (12 March, 2019). Keeping Girls in STEM: 3 Barriers, 3 Solutions. Edutopia.(Article Link)Links to an external site. (Links to an external site.)
  • Article: Minero, E. (10 January, 2019). Building a STEM Pathway for Native Students. Edutopia. (Article LinkLinks to an external site. )  
  • Article: Domzalski, K. (25 August, 2020). How a STEM Program Helps Students of Color See Themselves in Science. EdWeek. (Article Link).Links to an external site. 
  • Su (Links to an external site.Chapter: NRC. (2018). Chapter 1: Introduction. English Learners in STEM Subjects: Transforming Classrooms, Schools & Lives. (Article Link)* (Links to an external site.)
*Note: You need a free account to access this free chapter. 


Multicultural Inclusion and Language


In addition to integrating cross-cultural connections, it is important to address the complexity of academic language within STEM. The complexity of language within astronomy, biology, chemistry, earth science, and engineering can often form a barrier for many students including English Language learners. The chapter from NRC presents the challenges in STEM education for English Language Learners in the United States. In addition to implementing the teaching strategies and academic language supports you are exploring in your ELL methods course, this video on the use of realia walls in STEM illuminates the value of hands-on and kinesthetic connections as it relates to language and STEM. 


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crWz72359AQ (Links to an external site.) 
 (Links to an external site.)
Reflection QuestionsAfter reviewing the information, case studies, and video above, please consider these reflection questions on multicultural education and (STEM)2:
  1. Why is it important to include different cultural perspectives in STEM education?
  2. The history of science is culturally diverse. Within the diversity of students in your practicum school and the Washington County School District, find three famous scientists or engineers who might inspire your students as mentors by their diverse life stories?

Responsive & Interactive

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Cleaner Graphics

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Wider Scope

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Tablet Ready

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