Inclusive Science: Inspiring 8th Graders from Underrepresented Groups to Embrace STEM with Microbiology and...

Inclusivity in STEM requires practices that include transforming the culture in a classroom. This can be done not only by placing value on diversity but also by providing an engaging student experience, instilling a sense of belonging, and encouraging students at all levels to use a critical lens to solve problems. As a way to develop an inclusive science curriculum for students in a community that is among the poorest in New York state, local STEM organization Rise High Inc. partners with experts in STEM fields, K-12 educators, mentors, and community organizations to create sustainable low-cost, high-quality, engaging, and relevant content that sparks curiosity and exploration for this underserved community. The educators and mentors also have a unique opportunity to develop self-awareness about their own pathways and how they can use their experiences to enrich the classroom. An exemplary case is this highly interactive two-part instructional module in Microbiology and Immunology, which targets 8th graders and was designed in partnership with a local expert in these fields. This module offers creative means to learn and apply knowledge in realistic ways, while using easy-to-access materials in classrooms.