Creating Inclusive STEM Classrooms: Claiming Place and Making Space in Grades K-5

Energize STEM teaching to inspire deep learning and true belongingThis book addresses the urgent need to reimagine STEM classrooms as inclusive, justice-centered spaces where cultural identity becomes a pathway to deeper learning.Dr. Flake guides readers through the Four Dimensions of Cultural Identity-Essence, Engagement, Expression, and Epoch-providing a research-based framework for understanding both educator and student identities.Key topics include critical self-reflection for transformative teaching, designing culturally affirming STEM lessons, building supportive learning communities, and developing liberatory agency that empowers both teachers and students. This comprehensive resource includes:Critical Reflection Journal with structured prompts to help educators explore their own cultural identities and leverage their assets for transformative teaching practiceTeaching Tools, such as the Justice-Centered Tasks (JCT) Mode, which offer practical lesson planning resources to integ