This paper is part of a larger NSF funded research project that situates the lived experiences and narratives of African Americans and Black heritage in the K-12 science curriculum. This work contributes to research on the science capital, and on positive and empowering identity construction for the African Diaspora. This study takes the position…

This report summarizes key indicators that assess the status of the science and engineering (S&E) enterprise within the United States and that illustrate the U.S. global position in multiple aspects of the S&E enterprise. This includes information about the geographic distribution of S&E activities; science, technology, engineering,…

Much prior scholarship in K-12 teacher leadership is agnostic to teachers' disciplinary areas and centrally focuses on how teachers' instructional expertise is utilized for leadership activities solely within their school. However, there are teacher leaders who engage in leadership by influencing policy development and implementation at larger…

Reform efforts in K-12 science education have been gaining pace ever since the introduction of the "Next Generation Science Standards" (NGSS). The new vision calls for reconsidering teacher preparation programs to prepare future teachers who are confident and competent in delivering NGSS-based instruction. This study investigated the…

The STEM acronym (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) has evolved into STEAM, to reflect the increasingly held view that art and creativity are essential components of math/science teaching and learning. Sadly, too few students are choosing to take computer science classes. When presented as a technical science, many students,…

The 2019 "Minnesota Academic Standards in Science (Standards)" set the expectations for achievement in science for grades K-12 students in Minnesota. The standards are grounded in the belief that all students can and should be scientifically literate. Graduates should be prepared for career and college opportunities. The…

Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) identity has become a popular lens in science education research. However, few studies have looked at how using the interpersonal, structural, cultural, and disciplinary domains of power sheds light on how women of color differently navigate the various cultures of formal and informal…

The purpose of this study was to determine the science teachers' perceptions of and beliefs about integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the science curriculum. A case study research method was used to determine teachers' perceptions and beliefs of integrated STEM education in the science curriculum. The…

Scientific thinking and understanding are essential for all people navigating the world, not just for scientists and other science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals. Knowledge of science and the practice of scientific thinking are essential components of a fully functioning democracy. Science is also crucial for the…

In 2013, a new set of science standards was introduced for K-12 science education, called the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), which focused on three dimensions of science learning that work together: disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices. These standards are novel in their emphasis on…

In this article, we highlight the experiences of two Black early-career science teachers who transitioned from their STEM professions into the classroom. This study explored factors that influenced their decisions to choose education and how being introduced to abolitionist teaching during the preparation process informed their roles as educators.…

This descriptive case study tells how one urban K12 school district hosted virtual STEMgagement activities in celebration of Computer Science Education Week (CSEd Week) 2020. An ethnographic lens was used with document review to conduct an analysis of projects, programs, and services set up through the central office for nearly 24,000 students at…

In this study, the aim is to examine the perceptions of gifted students toward STEAM (Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics) disciplines. The phenomenology design, one of the qualitative research method designs, was used in the study. The study group of the research consists of 47 gifted students studying in the science and art center in…

Despite the promising future of employment opportunities in occupations related to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), women remain underrepresented in some STEM occupational fields. We use data from the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to study the role of gender differences in achievement and self-perceived ability in math…

Recent reforms in science education have supported the inclusion of engineering in K-12 curricula. To this end, many science classrooms have incorporated engineering units that include design tasks. Design is an integral part of engineering and helps students think in creative and interdisciplinary ways. In this study, we examined middle-school…